U.S. Tariff Policies
U.S. Tariffs Update: What Luggage & Travel Goods Buyers Need to Know
Updated: August 8, 2025
Key Takeaways
- As of August 7, tariffs are fully in effect with record-high rates.
- HTS accuracy and sourcing strategy are mission-critical for cost management.
- De minimis rules have changed, raising the stakes for small shipments.
- Proactive sourcing, compliance and logistics adjustments are essential in this environment.
1. New Tariffs Are Live
The U.S. has passed sweeping tariffs on imports from 68 countries, including the EU, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, with rates reaching up to 50%. These took effect for goods loaded after August 7, 2025.
Key Supplier Tariff Rates:
If you import travel goods, your costs are going up. Here's what you need to know:
Key Country Tariffs
- Bangladesh 20%
- Cambodia 19%
- Costa Rica 15%
- India 25%
- Indonesia 19%
- Jordan 15%
- Lesotho 15%
- Madagascar 15%
- Malaysia 15%
- Mauritius 15%
- Myanmar 40%
- Nicaragua 18%
- Pakistan 19%
- The Philippines 19%
- South Africa 30%
- Sri Lanka 20%
- Thailand 19%
- Vietnam 20%
All other countries face a 10% reciprocal tariff.
USMCA goods from Canada & Mexico remain duty-free;
Mexico’s tariff pause is extended through October 30.
2. Deadlines You Need to Know
- "On-the-water" exemption: Goods shipped before August 7, 12:01 AM ET are exempt until October 5, 2025.
- De minimis exemption ends August 29 - low-value goods under $800 now face full duties.
3. Enforcement & Compliance Risks
- No changes to origin rules - “substantial transformation” criteria remain.
- Transshipped goods may face up to 40% penalties, though definitions are still vague.
- The Vietnam agreement (20% on exports, 40% for transshipped goods) lacks enforcement guidelines.
4. Broader Trade Impacts
- Steel & aluminum tariffs rose to 50% on June 4; UK stays at 25% amid ongoing talks.
- Tariffs now cover appliances and their parts, potentially affecting certain luggage designs (e.g., with metal reinforcements).
- A potential U.S.–China truce extension was agreed in principle but awaits approval.
5. Supply Chain & Cost Pressures
- China-origin shipments: $50 per ton surcharge begins October 2025, rising annually.
- Container/chassis tariffs (20–100%) are increasing freight costs.
- Reduced Asia–U.S. shipping routes may yield delays and higher prices.
6. Actionable Steps for Sourcing Teams
- Search Luggage Manufacturers — explore suppliers in lower-tariff countries.
- Refine Suppliers by Region — identify sourcing options beyond high-tariff zones.
- Check and update HTS codes to avoid misclassification and excess tariffs.
- Adjust shipment schedules to maximize exemptions.
- Diversify suppliers beyond China and Southeast Asia.
- Update cost models to reflect tariff hikes and communicate changes clearly.
- Explore bonded warehousing for duty deferral.
7. Legal Challenges Are Ongoing
The court case V.O.S. Selections v. Trump challenges the President’s authority under IEEPA. A hearing was held July 31, but tariffs remain active during appeal.
Useful sources: