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RV Industry Association Monitors Landmark US-El Salvador Trade Deal and Tariff Rollbacks
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 [Category: Transportation] -- The RV Industry Association is alerting members to a significant shift in the trade landscape following U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's signing of a reciprocal trade agreement with El Salvador on Jan. 30, 2026. Under the new deal, a 10% reciprocal tariff will apply to most imports, though RVIA notes critical exemptions for textiles and apparel qualifying under the CAFTA-DR framework. Simultaneously, the association highlighted a major victory for the industry as the Trump administration rolled back scheduled 50% tariff hikes on kitchen ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 [Category: Transportation] -- The RV Industry Association is alerting members to a significant shift in the trade landscape following U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's signing of a reciprocal trade agreement with El Salvador on Jan. 30, 2026. Under the new deal, a 10% reciprocal tariff will apply to most imports, though RVIA notes critical exemptions for textiles and apparel qualifying under the CAFTA-DR framework. Simultaneously, the association highlighted a major victory for the industry as the Trump administration rolled back scheduled 50% tariff hikes on kitchencabinets and vanities, maintaining the current 25% rate until at least 2027. RVIA remains actively engaged in tracking these developments, particularly as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of using emergency powers to impose such duties. The association continues to provide updated HTS code guidance to help manufacturers navigate costs for essential materials like lauan plywood and motorhome components.
-- Marlyn T. Vitin, Targeted News Service
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Here is the text of the document:
Latest Tariff Developments
To see a comprehensive list of what tariffs are currently enacted, view our tariff tracker chart, which provides an easy-to-read overview of tariff impacts by country.
View the Tariff Tracker (https://www.rvia.org/tariff-tracker)
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Tariff Letters and Deals
Below is an update of ongoing deals that have been announced so far. It is important to note that there are more details to come on these agreements and we are sharing information as it becomes available.
Update-January 30, 2026: The United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with El Salvador following the November 13 announcement of a completed deal. The base reciprocal rate will be 10% (on top of normal Most-Favored Nation (MFN) duties) except for product exemptions specified in the provided annexes. Textiles and apparel products that qualify for preferential treatment under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) are also exempted from the 10% reciprocal tariff.
To read the text of the Agreement between the United States of America and El Salvador on Reciprocal Trade, click here.
To read the Joint Statement on Framework for United States-El Salvador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, click here.
To read the Fact Sheet, click here.
The RV Industry Association will continue to provide information as it becomes available. For a comprehensive overview of tariffs currently enacted, view the additional tariff updates below.
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Update- January 5, 2026: President Donald Trump is rolling back tariffs on furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. This is a reversal from September's Presidential Proclamation that imposed Section 232 tariffs on wood products.
Higher tariff rates on those goods that were set to take effect Thursday, January 1, will now be delayed for another year, according to a White House Fact Sheet.
In October, the White House imposed a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. Rates for cabinets and vanities were set to go up to 50% in 2026, while upholstered wooden furniture -like sofas or chairs -was set to increase to 30%.
This move means that, for now, the 25% tariff stays in effect on all those goods until at least January 1, 2027.
The RV Industry Association will continue to provide information as it becomes available. For a comprehensive overview of tariffs currently enacted, view the tariff tracker.
View the full article on ABC...
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Update-December 10, 2025: On Friday, November 5, 2025, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of "V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. United States" on whether a president may use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imports from countries around the world. A decision is expected by the end of 2025 or early 2026. As a decision approaches and early import entries affected by the IEEPA tariffs move toward liquidation, it is imperative that importers remain attentive to preserve their ability to pursue tariff refunds.
View the full article...
NOTE: Paths for seeking refunds will apply should the Supreme Court strike down the President's International Emergency Economic Powers Act reciprocal tariffs; however, steps should be taken now to preserve your right to a refund.
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Update-December 8, 2025: On Thursday, December 4, the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a Federal Register notice formally modifying certain aspects of U.S. tariffs targeting South Korea. Cargo Systems Messaging Service guidance can be found here.
View the full article...
Update-December 1, 2025: On Wednesday, November 26, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a Press Release stating that it will extend tariff exemptions for nearly 200 categories of Chinese products. USTR cited progress in the Trump administration's trade negotiations with China. This extension follows the trade and economic agreement announced by the White House on November 1, 2025, after discussions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The exclusions apply to 178 categories of Chinese-origin products, ranging from medical products to solar manufacturing equipment, allowing them to avoid tariffs of between 7.5 to 25 percent. These measures relate to the tariffs imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of Chinese imports during President Trump's first term.
The tariffs were due to come into effect November 29, but the products will now be excluded until November 10, 2026.
Please contact RV Industry Association Director of Federal Affairs Samantha Rocci at srocci@rvia.org with any questions and keep up with the latest tariff updates here.
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Update-November 17, 2025: On Thursday, November 13, the United States announced frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala, as well as with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The United States and South Korea also reaffirmed the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment Deal in a White House Fact Sheet released the same day.
View the full article.
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Update-November 3, 2025: On Thursday, October 30, in South Korea, President Donald J. Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for what the White House described as a "truly great" meeting. During their discussions, the two leaders outlined a series of trade commitments intended to ease bilateral tensions and strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and China.
Following the meeting, on Saturday, November 1, the White House released a Fact Sheet summarizing their discussions. As of Monday, November 3, no official documentation has been issued to formally implement the proposed measures.
View more details.
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Update-October 27, 2025: President Trump suddenly ceased all trade negotiations with Canada after taking issue with an anti-tariff advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan that was developed by the Government of Ontario. The President later claimed that he would increase U.S. tariffs targeting Canada by 10% - however, no documentation has been published to implement this adjustment.
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Update-October 20, 2025: On Friday, October 17, Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing a 25% tariff on imports of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and related parts as well as a separate 10% on imports of buses. This will take effect at 12:01 am ET on November 1.
Key Provisions:
* 25% tariff on imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and parts: This applies to parts used in medium- and heavy-duty trucks, such as engines, transmissions, tires, and chassis.
* Medium- and heavy-duty trucks include vehicles like large pick-up trucks.
* US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Medium- and heavy-duty trucks that do not qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the USMCA, will be subject to the full value of the vehicle. For those that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the USMCA, the tariff will only apply to the value of the non-U.S. content in the vehicle. USMCA compliant medium- and heavy-duty truck parts will not be subject to the new Section 232 tariffs, until the Secretary of Commerce establishes a process to apply tariffs to the non-U.S. content of the parts.
* Tariff Offset Program (Trucks): Manufacturers using U.S. assembled medium- or heavy-duty truck parts may receive a tariff credit equal to 3.75% of the aggregate value of all trucks assembled in the United States from 2025-2030. This reflects the duty owed when a 25% tariff is applied to 15% of the value of a U.S. assembled medium- and heavy-duty truck.
Read the full article for further details...
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Update-October 10, 2025: On September 29, 2025, the Trump Administration issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing Section 232 tariffs on specified imports of softwood timber and lumber, upholstered furniture, and kitchen cabinets and vanities.
While the Administration exempted lauan from the 232 plywood tariffs, the language of the Proclamation was less clear about whether lauan would be subject to International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on October 14, 2025.
After research and conversations with multiple law firms and Rep. Rudy Yakym's staff, we have concluded that lauan plywood will be subject to reciprocal tariffs beginning at 12:01 am ET on October 14. At that time lauan plywood imports from Indonesia will face a new 19% reciprocal (IEEPA) tariff, on top of the existing 8% MFN duty, for a total tariff rate of 27%.
Read the full article for further details...
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Update-October 8, 2025: On Tuesday, October 7, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published 95 inclusion requests (which can include numerous Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes) for additional steel and aluminum derivative products to be subject to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs.
* Refresher: 232 tariff rates are set at 50 percent applied to metal portion and appropriate reciprocal tariff rates apply to the rest.
There are over 500 unique 8-digit subheadings spread across 30 different Harmonized Tariff Schedules of the United States Chapters in play. Sorini, Samet & Associates created a streamlined list available here ( members-only; login required ).
Public comments in response to these new inclusion requests must be submitted by October 21 at 11:59 PM ET.
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Update-September 30, 2025: Late on September 29, 2025, the Trump Administration issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing Section 232 tariffs on specified imports of softwood timber and lumber; upholstered furniture; and kitchen cabinets and vanities following the investigation launched in March 2025 into timber, lumber, and their derivative products.
Most significant for the RV industry, the Proclamation does not apply Section 232 tariffs to plywood under HTS 4412 or to wooden furniture, except for kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered seats. This exclusion includes plywood classified under 4412, such as lauan (4412.31.48 and 4412.31.45).
Due to the opacity of the language, there is some discussion surrounding whether lauan will be subject to International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) reciprocal tariffs at 12:01 am ET on October 14, 2025. While we initially heard that lauan would be subject to the reciprocals on that date, other interpretations of the language give us reasons to believe it will not be subject to the reciprocal tariffs. We will update this piece with additional information when we receive guidance from Customs or a definitive statement one way or the other. In either case, RV Industry Association will be working to secure an exclusion for lauan in any final Indonesia trade deal.
Read the full article...
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Update-September 26, 2025: In a series of Truth Social posts last night, President Trump imposed broad new tariffs starting October 1, 2025 on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and trucks.
* 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products, unless the manufacturer is in the process of building manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
* 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and 30% on upholstered furniture.
* 25% tariff on heavy trucks.
Tariffs are generating more than $30 billion a month in revenue for the government, and are now a critical piece of Trump's fiscal policy. With Trump's tariff authority at risk of being struck down by the Supreme Court, these new measures take advantage of more established law to impose sweeping duties on critical sectors.
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Update-September 25, 2025 Commerce and USTR detail EU trade deal: In a joint Federal Register pre-publication notice set to be published Thursday, September 25, the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced implementation guidance for the U.S.-EU Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade that includes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes of tariff exempted products. U.S. Customs also published its guidance in CSMS66336270. Importantly, neither publication mentions any progress towards an agreement on a trade rate quota for EU exports of steel and aluminum, as pledged in July when the deal was announced.
Key provisions include:
* MFN < 15%: Goods with an MFN duty of less than 15% will have an additional Section 232 tariff applied to bring the total tariff to 15%.
* MFN >= 15%: Goods with an MFN duty greater than or equal to 15% will have no additional Section 232 tariff applied.
* Exemptions to Reciprocal Tariffs: The notice lifts IEEPA reciprocal tariffs as prescribed by Executive Order 14326 on July 31, on products in the included Annex I, such as natural resources unavailable in the U.S., aircraft and aircraft parts, and generic pharmaceuticals. Effective 12:01 AM ET back to September 1.
* 15% Tariff Maximum for Autos and Auto Parts: The notice revises Section 232 automobile and auto part tariffs by creating a 15% tariff maximum for automobiles and auto parts of the European Union. Effective 12:01 AM ET on August 1.
An excel spreadsheet listing the affected Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes can be found here.
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Update-September 25: On Thursday, S eptember 25, Sorini, Samet & Associates reported that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued an opinion in the HMTX Industries case upholding the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) imposition of Section 301 China tariffs on products covered by Lists 3 and 4A. Such tariffs are still in place today, levied at a rate of 25% for products under List 3 and 7.5% for List 4A products.
The appellate court ruling aligns with the opinion issued by the Court of International Trade (CIT) in 2023, which also upheld the modifications to the Section 301 China action as lawful. Plaintiffs may petition for an en banc rehearing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or certiorari at the Supreme Court. The extra duties on products like electronics, travel goods, furniture, apparel, and other products will remain in place unless changed by the Supreme Court or USTR.
This litigation was initiated in 2020 and was brought by U.S. importers arguing that the U.S. government overstepped its authority in expanding Section 301 China tariffs to a broader range of products than were targeted by the initial Section 301 investigation.
These lists, especially List 3, includes $200 billion worth of products (though some have been exempted) from China and likely includes products the RV industry uses, including tires, wheels, propane tanks, fabrics, carpet, plywood, refrigerators, appliances and parts, plumbing goods and accessories, and various raw metals.
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Update-September 10: On Tuesday, September 9, the Supreme Court agreed to quickly hear a pair of broad legal challenges to President Donald Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on countries around the world. By putting the cases on a highly accelerated track, with oral arguments in the first week of November, the justices indicated that they likely would resolve the issue quickly -perhaps as soon as the end of the year. The Trump administration is urging a rapid decision.
At issue in the cases are the tens of billions of dollars of tariffs that Trump has collected since February under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The Congressional Budget Office has forecast Trump's tariffs could reduce the budget deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade if left in place, while economists warn the tariffs could hurt U.S. economic growth and drive up inflation -making it one of the biggest economic issues the Supreme Court has ever faced.
The future of deals would be in doubt if the Supreme Court strikes down the duties, although it may not cause them to collapse since the Trump administration could draw on other authorities to authorize similar tariffs.
The case does not affect some other Trump tariffs, such as the 50 percent duties he has imposed on steel, aluminum and copper to protect national security and 25 percent duties on autos and auto parts using the same rationale.
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Update-Monday, September 8: On Friday, September 5, President Trump issued an Executive Order that narrowly alters the scope of goods exempt from reciprocal tariffs under Annex II of a previous Executive Order from April 2, 2025. These changes took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, September 8, 2025. The Executive Order also identifies products that may qualify for reciprocal tariff exemptions in the future.
While the announced reciprocal tariffs don't cover lauan, the Order notes the possibility of future adjustments. Specifically, the annexes identify categories of goods that may qualify for a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate under trade deals with aligned partners. These include products that cannot be "grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States."
These are listed in Annex III and include 4412.31.45 and 4412.31.48, which cover lauan plywood. (The entire annex can be viewed here ). This is an encouraging development, as this list of "Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners" Annex is a list of products that the White House would be willing to negotiate to a zero reciprocal tariff rate.
View the full article and key provisions...
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Update-Saturday, August 30: A federal appeals court has ruled that the majority of Trump-era tariffs are not legal, dealing a significant blow to the administration's trade policy. The court found that the president overstepped his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, a power that is reserved for Congress.
This ruling, however, does not mean the tariffs are being removed immediately. The court has allowed them to remain in effect until October 14, 2025, giving the administration time to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The ruling also does not affect other tariffs, such as those on steel and aluminum, which were imposed under different laws. This development introduces a new layer of uncertainty for the industry as the legal battle over trade policy continues.
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Update-Monday, August 25: Canada is scrapping some retaliatory tariffs, a major concession aimed at cooling trade tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday.
* "We have the best deal of anyone in the world right now," Carney told reporters in Ottawa, noting that the average U.S. tariff rate on Canadian goods is 5.6%, the lowest among America's trading partners. "Today, the Government of Canada is harmonizing its tariffs with the U.S."
Canada had targeted imports of U.S. goods that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with a 25 percent tariff, but is backing off of those tariffs according to the announcement on Friday.
* Yes, but: Canadian tariffs on U.S. imports of steel, aluminum, and autos remain unchanged.
Canada's tariff reduction came shortly after the White House expanded its 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports to include 407 new products. (See Aug 18 update below)
* According to Politico, these new 50% tariffs are an unsettling move for Canada's steel industry, already facing production drops, who are pressuring Canadian leadership in Ottawa to raise its countertariff on U.S. steel and aluminum to 50% from 25%.
Canadian negotiators continue to seek a deal to remove heightened tariffs on goods not covered by USMCA trade deal signed by Trump during his first administration.
* USMCA is up for renewal next year and Carney said Friday that he'd like reauthorization talks to begin next month, adding he expects them to stretch between 6 and 18 months.
As the tariff issues is continually changing, information will be shared as it becomes available.
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Update-Thursday, August 21: On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the United States and European Union announced a " Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade." After the European Union follows through on lowering tariffs on American goods, U.S. tariffs on cars and car parts will be lowered to 15%. The European Union intends to eliminate all tariffs on industrial goods imported from the U.S. and to widen preferential market access to U.S. seafood and agricultural products. In exchange, most European Union exports -notably pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber -will be taxed at 15%. The White House fact sheet on the trade deal is available here, and the RV Industry Association's full article on the trade deal is available here.
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Update-Monday, August 18: L ate on Friday, August 15th, the Department of Commerce announced a significant expansion of Section 232 tariffs, adding over 400 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes to the existing list of steel and aluminum derivative products. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has since issued guidance, and the tariffs officially took effect at 12:01 AM today, August 18.
What to know:
* The new tariffs apply immediately. There is no exception for goods already in transit.
* An ad valorem tariff of 50% will apply to the metal content of affected products. Non-metal content remains subject to IEEPA reciprocal tariffs.
Products impacted include:
* HTS 8716.10.00 - Trailers & semi-trailers for camping
* HTS 8708.99.81 - Brake hoses of plastics with fittings, slide-in campers, cable traction devices, truck bed camper shells, and more
* HTS 8708.92.60 - Mufflers and exhaust pipes for motor homes.
* HTS 8708.93.30 - Clutches for other motor vehicles.
* HTS 8708.99.23 - Parts of steering systems (other than steering wheels, columns, boxes, parts thereof).
* HTS 8708.10.30 - bumper stampings of steel, the foregoing comprising parts and accessories of motor homes.
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive and members should refer to the full list in Annex I.
Notably excluded:
* HTS 8708.99.68: Power train parts, drive shafts, universal joints for vehicles, including motorhomes
* HTS 8708.50.51: Drive axles for motorhomes
The notice also states that 60 codes were not included because they are subject to ongoing investigations pursuant to Section 232 or other trade statutes, meaning these products remain at risk. The full list of included HTS codes is available in Annex I of the Federal Register notice. The Department is expected to open another inclusion process in September.
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Update-Monday, August 11: The U.S. and China have extended their tariff truce for another 90 days, which was scheduled to expire today. The extension pushes off a huge, open question for U.S. businesses and investors on the future of trade with China.
* The original deal lowered U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145% and restarted the flow of crucial rare earth minerals out of China.
President Trump signed an executive order that extended the trade truce between the world's largest economies, CNBC first reported on Monday.
* The extension was expected after U.S. and Chinese officials held a third round of trade talks in Sweden late last month.
* Those negotiations followed the truce deal in Geneva in May and then an agreement on further terms in London in June.
Quick Refresher: Imports from China are currently subject to 30% tariffs, including a 10% base rate and 20% in fentanyl-related tariffs imposed by Trump in February and March. China had matched the de-escalation, lowering its rate on U.S. imports to 10%.
The consensus among the former officials is that President Trump is motivated to reach an agreement, though the exact terms and whether it will be a "bar napkin" agreement or a more formal "Phase 1" type deal remains uncertain. The RV Industry Association will continue to keep members informed of updates.
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Update-Wednesday, August 6: President Trump signed an Executive Order this morning imposing additional 25% tariffs on India starting in 21 days, on August 27, as forewarned yesterday in a Truth Social post. This brings the total tariff to 50%. A Fact Sheet can be found here.
The Executive Order also directs Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other senior government officials to determine if other countries are indirectly or directly importing Russian oil. If affirmative determinations are made, the EO permits levying additional tariffs on those countries. Separately, the U.S. may also take additional actions if any country retaliates.
Specific details include:
* Stacking: The additional 25% tariff will be stacked on top of India's 25% IEEPA reciprocal tariff, set to go into effect tomorrow, August 7, plus any applicable MFN duties, taxes and other fees.
* Exemptions: Products exempt from this action are those that are currently or in the future subject to Section 232 actions (see Annex II of EO 14257 for the list of potential future products).
* In-Transit Clause: Goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to August 27 and entered into consumption before September 17 will not be affected by this action.
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Update-Monday, August 4, 2025: Related to the announcement last week (below), Customs has released guidance for importers as it implements President Trump's July 31 Executive Order terminating the US reciprocal tariff pause. The transit clause requires the goods to be:
* Loaded on the final mode of transport before August 7, and
* Entered for consumption before October 5.
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Update-Friday, August 1, 2025: On Thursday evening, July 31, President Trump issued Executive Orders further increasing reciprocal tariff rates for multiple countries effective August 7, 2025. This includes:
* 25% tariffs on goods from India and 20% on goods from Taiwan.
* Tariff rates in previously announced agreements with Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the European Union will also take effect on August 7, which means that Customs and Border Protection has until then to publish the implementing instructions.
* Goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01am ET on August 7, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption before 12:01am ET on October 5, will be exempt from the increased tariffs.
Additionally, the President issued an Executive Order immediately increasing tariffs for Canadian non-USMCA compliant goods from 25% to 35%. Unlike the executive order raising tariffs on multiple countries beginning on August 7, the Canadian tariff increase went into effect at 12:01am ET, this morning, August 1. Implementing instructions from Customs and Border Protection can be seen here.
Yesterday, President Trump also announced a 90-day extension for continued conversations with Mexico to strike a trade agreement. The extension keeps the existing tariff schedule in place - 25% on automobiles; 50% on steel, aluminum, and copper; and 25% on non-USMCA compliant imports. The extension staves off the President's previous announcement that the administration would raise tariffs on Mexicans good to 30%.
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Update-Thursday, July 31, 2025: On July 30, President Trump signed an Executive Order declaring an emergency with respect to Brazil. Invoking a national emergency, the President has declared that the actions of the Brazilian government pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the economy. The order specifically cites Brazil's coercion of U.S. online platforms to censor American citizens, its violation of free expression rights, and the political persecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. As a result, the proclamation imposes a 40% ad valorem duty on certain products imported from Brazil to address the declared emergency.
Specifically, the executive order sets a 40% IEEPA tariff, effective at 12:01am ET August 6. This is stacked on top of the 10% IEEPA Reciprocal tariff, which results in a 50% tariff.
View an article with the full details here...
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Update-Thursday, July 31, 2025: On Wednesday, President Trump announced via social post a new trade deal with South Korea. Per the post, t he agreement is said to include:
* A 15% tariff rate
* A commitment from South Korea to invest $350 billion in U.S.-controlled investments and to purchase $100 billion in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other energy products.
* That South Korea will be "completely OPEN TO TRADE," including on cars, trucks, and agriculture.
The deal was clarified by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a post on X, who noted t he $350 billion would have a 90/10 profit split like Japan; the energy purchases are over 3.5 years; the 15% tariff rate includes autos; that South Korea will "not be treated any worse than any other country" on chips and pharma; and that steel, aluminum, and copper aren't included in the tariffs.
South Korean sources added that a $150 billion investment in shipbuilding is part of the package and that access for South Korean rice and beef to the U.S. market was not included. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo called the shipbuilding component a "game changer." South Korean farmers cheered that latter news.
On the chips and pharma piece mentioned by Secretary Lutnick, Kim Yong-beom, President Lee's Chief of Staff for Policy, more or less echoed what he said: "Tariffs that had been scheduled for imposition on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals will also be set at a level not disadvantageous compared to other countries. It has been stipulated that Korea will receive most-favored nation treatment."
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Update-Wednesday, July 30, 2025: On Wednesday, July 30, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the de minimis exemption, applying tariffs to low-value imports from all trading partners. The measure will be effective on Aug. 29 and apply to all goods that are valued at or under $800 that previously qualified for that tax-free treatment, according to a White House fact sheet.
The order will applies to commercial shipments and will impose duties to online retailers that ship directly to US consumers such as Shein and Temu.
American travelers can still bring back up to $200 in personal items and individuals can continue to receive bona fide gifts valued at $100 or less duty-free.
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Update-Tuesday, July 29, 2025: As of July 29th there have been no implementing instructions from Customs and Border Protection regarding any of the newly announced trade agreements and tariff rates for certain trading partners, including Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the EU, and that without further instructions with new rates, when the "pause" lapses on August 1, the original Liberation Day tariffs are set to go into effect. We'll continue to keep members informed on updates.
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Update-Monday, July 28, 2025: Trump on Sunday reached a deal with the European Union to avert a renewed transatlantic trade war -raising pressure on the remaining U.S. trading partners without updated terms to shield them from planned Aug. 1. hikes.
A senior U.S. official, granted anonymity to discuss talks, clarified in a call for reporters on Sunday that the rate would apply to at least some sectors that are currently the subject of probes, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows a president to restrict imports on certain industries to protect national security.
The official said that Trump sent the bloc a letter threatening a tariff hike earlier this month because "we had met with them collectively 13 times in videos and in person, and they didn't even make us an offer." But they added that Trump's letter supposedly "changed everything" because the EU realized he was serious about his threats to massively hike tariffs.
Highlights:
* The deal also includes a flat 15 percent tariff on goods from Brussels with zero percent tariffs on U.S. goods.
* On the heels of talks in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump told reporters the 27-country bloc agreed to purchase $750 billion of energy products and invest $600 billion more than planned into the United States.
* Trump stated that steel and aluminum would continue to be subject to 50% tariffs.
Update-Tuesday, July 23, 2025: According to President Trump, the U.S. will impose a 19 percent tariff on imports from the Philippines, higher than the 17 percent "reciprocal" duty the U.S. briefly imposed in April but slightly lower than the 20 percent tariff he threatened in a letter earlier this month.
Additionally, in a post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. will charge a 15 percent tariff on Japanese exports to the U.S. in exchange for a $550 billion investment in the United States. Japan, he said, will open its market to U.S.-made "Cars and Trucks, Rice and certain other Agricultural Products, and other things."
Update-Tuesday, July 15, 2025: According to a post from President Trump today, Indonesia tariffs will be 19% rather than 32% following a deal struck with the country. Indonesian lauan, of particular importance for the RV industry, could become subject to this tariff, pending the results of the 232 investigation on imports of timber and lumber.
* On July 22, 2025, the White House released new details of the U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Get the details here.
Update-Monday, July 14, 2025: Mexico and the European Union (EU) are the latest objects of President Trump's efforts to increase tariffs. This past weekend, President Trump uploaded letters to social media stating that products from Mexico and the EU will be subject to a tariff rate of 30 percent effective August 1, 2025.
* For products from Mexico, we do not yet know whether this new rate is a reciprocal tariff rate or will replace the current so-called fentanyl tariffs of 25 percent. Also unknown at this point is whether articles that qualify as originating under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, will be exempt from these tariffs. In the coming days, we may see U.S. Customs and Border Protection provide more guidance on these issues.
Update-Thursday, July 10, 2025: President Trump announced Thursday his administration would impose a 35 percent tariff on all Canadian goods beginning next month. Trump posted a letter sent to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in which he outlined the upcoming tariffs.
* "If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," Trump wrote to Carney. "These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country."
* The U.S. had previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, though Trump later exempted products covered under the 2020 trade agreement struck between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It's unclear whether those exemptions will still apply as of Aug. 1.
Update-Wednesday, July 9, 2025: President Donald Trump issued final tariff notices to seven minor trading partners:
* Trump said in posts on his Truth Social media platform that starting August 1 he would impose a 20% tariff on goods from the Philippines, 30% on goods from Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya, and 25% on Brunei Darussalam and Moldova.
* All of the letters are posted to the White House's Rapid Response X page.
* As announced by Trump on Wednesday night, import taxes of 50% will be imposed on Brazil.
Update #2-Monday, July 7, 2025: President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday extending the date on which so-called "reciprocal" tariffs will take effect to August 1. The previous deadline had been July 9.
Update-Monday, July 7, 2025: Ahead of Wednesday's deadline there are expected to be multiple updates and additional trade deals announced. We will keep a running list of updates below as they are announced. Please check back often for the latest updates:
* President Donald Trump said on Monday the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea beginning Aug. 1 as he unveiled the first two of an expected 12 letters to trading partners outlining the new levies they face.
* Trump said the United States would impose tariffs of 25% on goods from Tunisia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, with levies of 30% on South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, climbing to 32% on Indonesia, 35% on Serbia and Bangladesh, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.
Update-Monday, July 7, 2025: The Government of Canada has officially granted remission of the surtaxes on motorhomes imported from the United States.
Effective on June 26, 2025, surtaxes paid or payable on specific categories of motorhomes are eligible for remission. This applies to the following tariff classification numbers, covering new and used gas and diesel motorhomes:
* 8703.23.00.10 (Motorhomes)
* 8703.24.00.21 (New Gas Motorhomes)
* 8703.24.00.22 (Used Gas Motorhomes)
* 8703.33.00.21 (New Diesel Motorhomes)
* 8703.33.00.22 (Used Diesel Motorhomes)
Information on how to apply for relief from the surtax is available here.
Update-Monday, June 30, 2025: White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Monday that U.S.-Canada trade talks will resume immediately, following Ottawa's move to cancel its digital services tax.
Trump had said Friday, June 27, he was suspending trade talks with Canada after its government confirmed it was planning to keep in place a digital services tax despite the recent G7 agreement on such levies. The president added at the time that he would announce within a week a higher tariff rate on the neighboring country.
Additionally, on Sunday, President Trump said he is not planning to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are deals with the United States.
Update-Tuesday, June 17, 2025: On Monday, June 16th, U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they had signed a trade deal that will slash tariffs on U.K. auto and aerospace industry imports -but they are still discussing how to handle steel production.
The British government said the new agreement removes U.S. tariffs on U.K. aerospace products, exempting Britain from a 10% levy the Trump White House has sought to impose on all other countries. It also sets the tax on British autos at 10% from the end of the month, down from the current 27.5%, up to a quota of 100,000 vehicles a year.
But there was no final agreement to cut the tax on British steel to zero as originally foreseen. Monday's agreement fleshes out the terms of the framework deal announced in May.
Update-Wednesday, June 11, 2025: On Tuesday, June 10th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that President Trump's International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs will remain in effect during the appeal process. The Court, stating that this litigation raises issues of "exceptional importance," will have the 11-member court hear the appeal, rather than go before a three-judge panel first. It is scheduled for arguments on July 31, 2025. This means that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs will remain in effect through at least July 31.
Update-Saturday, May 31, 2025: On May 30, President Trump announced that he will increase the steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% from 25%, effective Wednesday, June 4.
Update-Thursday, May 29, 2025: A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs as it considers the administration's request to leave the tariffs in place while litigation over their legality continues.
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued an order Thursday afternoon granting "an immediate administrative stay" of a ruling Wednesday by the U.S. Court of International Trade that found Trump could not use emergency powers in an almost 50-year-old statute to impose tariffs on imports from countries around the globe.
The decision temporarily reimposes Trump's sweeping 10 percent global tariffs and the paused "reciprocal" tariffs that Trump imposed on more than 50 trading partners and has used as a leverage point in trade negotiations. It also applies to his 25 percent duties on Canadian and Mexican products and a 20 percent tariff on Chinese products in response to a purported national emergency on drug trafficking.
The appeals court said the temporary stay would remain in place until it rules on the administration's motion for a longer-term pause of the lower court decision. The stay is likely to run through at least mid-June, according to a schedule laid out by the Federal Circuit judges.
In a separate case, a federal district judge also ruled against Trump's tariffs on Thursday. That ruling -from U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington -is not covered by the Federal Circuit's stay, and the Trump administration's appeal of Contreras' ruling will go to a different federal appeals court. But Contreras put his own ruling on hold for 14 days to give the administration time to appeal. He also restricted its ultimate effect to the two companies that filed the lawsuit.
The seesawing rulings fuel the uncertainty over the administration's tariff agenda, as businesses and foreign leaders have scrambled to understand what the courts' role could mean for ongoing trade negotiations.
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Update-Wednesday, May 28, 2025: Today, a three-judge panel of the Court of International Trade (CIT) unanimously struck down the recent tariff actions imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The CIT found that the President unlawfully imposed reciprocal tariffs on all countries and the so-called fentanyl tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico. The Court's judgment extends to all modifications and amendments to President Trump's initial orders imposing these tariffs.
First, the CIT found that IEEPA does not grant the President with unlimited authority to impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries. The CIT concluded that an unlimited delegation of tariff authority would be unconstitutional.
Second, the CIT found the tariffs imposed on China, Canada, and Mexico allegedly addressing the threat of illicit drugs at the border to be unlawful on the grounds that they do not actually address the alleged threats identified by the President.
The CIT vacated and permanently enjoined imposition of the tariffs. The impact of the CIT's judgment, such as the availability of refunds, remains to be seen. The CIT gave the government ten days to take further action to comply with the CIT's judgment.
We expect that the United States will try to appeal this decision and will request a stay of the CIT's judgment. The legality of President Trump's sweeping tariffs is likely to reach the Supreme Court.
Tariffs imposed under different legal authority like Section 232 or 301-including on imports of autos, steel and aluminum -are unaffected by the ruling.
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Update-Wednesday, May 14, 2025: As we reported last month, on April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a decisive action to close de minimis exemptions for Chinese imports, a move aimed at curbing the flow of illicit synthetic opioids into the United States.
* After allowing Customs and Border Protection time to develop adequate systems to collect these tariff revenues, duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from China and Hong Kong has officially ended as of May 2, 2025.
* Effective Wednesday, May 14, low-value packages from China are subject to a 54% tariff, down from the 120% rate in place since May 2.
* Alternatively, carriers can pay $100 per package, a flat fee that was supposed to, but will no longer, increase to $200 next month.
* Read the full Executive Order...
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Update-Monday, May 12, 2025: Today, the White House announced that President Donald Trump reached an agreement with China to reduce China's tariffs and eliminate retaliation, retain a U.S. baseline tariff on China, and set a path for future discussions to open market access for American exports.
The United States issued the first joint statement on trade in many years with China after successful negotiations over the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland. Both parties affirmed the importance of the critical bilateral economic and trade relationship between both countries and the global economy.
In reaching an agreement, the United States and China will each lower tariffs by 115% while retaining an additional 10% tariff. Other U.S. measures will remain in place. Both sides will take these actions by May 14, 2025.
CHINESE ACTIONS:
* China will remove the retaliatory tariffs it announced since April 4, 2025, and will also suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2, 2025.
* China will also suspend its initial 34% tariff on the United States announced on April 4, 2025, for 90 days, but will retain a 10% tariff during the period of the pause.
AMERICAN ACTIONS:
* The United States will remove the additional tariffs it imposed on China on April 8 and April 9, 2025, but will retain all duties imposed on China prior to April 2, 2025, including Section 301 tariffs, Section 232 tariffs, tariffs imposed in response to the fentanyl national emergency invoked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and Most Favored Nation tariffs.
* The United States will suspend its 34% reciprocal tariff imposed on April 2, 2025, for 90 days, but retain a 10% tariff during the period of the pause.
ONGOING ACTIONS:
When these changes come into effect, both nations agreed to establish a mechanism to continue important discussions about trade and economics. China will be represented by He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council. The United States will be represented by Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative.
NEW CHINA TARIFF STACKING:
On May 14, 2025, the China tariffs will stack as follows:
* 10% reciprocal OR Section 232* (whichever applies depending on the product) + 20% fentanyl + 25%* Section 301 = 55% + existing Most Favored Nation/Normal Trade Relations tariff
* If a Section 232 tariff applies, then the 10% reciprocal tariff will not apply. HTS code lists are specified in the Federal Register.
* Section 301 tariffs are variable, depending on the HTS code and product. Section 301 tariffs currently apply to most Chinese products.
A Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff -also known as normal trade relations (NTR) in U.S. terminology-is the default tariff rate that a World Trade Organization (WTO) member country agrees to offer to all other WTO members, unless a special trade agreement (like a free trade agreement) gives even lower rates. It's based on the principle of non-discrimination among trading partners.
In practical terms for Chinese products entering the U.S.:
* China currently receives MFN tariff treatment from the U.S.
This means that, despite tensions and tariffs added under Section 301 (Trump-era tariffs), China still benefits from the baseline, lowest standard tariff rates the U.S. applies to WTO countries without special trade agreements.
* If MFN status were revoked, Chinese imports would instead be taxed at "Column 2" tariff rates in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. These are significantly higher and were originally designed for non-market economies or adversarial nations (e.g., North Korea, Cuba).
The MFN tariff rate differs by product. It is not a flat rate for all imports from China (or any other country with MFN status). Instead, the U.S. assigns specific MFN rates by product classification using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
To look up the MFN tariff rate (called "Column 1 - General" in U.S. terms) for a specific product imported into the U.S., you use the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
View the White House Fact Sheet.
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Update-Friday, May 9, 2025: Yesterday, May 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a brand-new trade deal aimed at opening up U.K. markets to U.S. businesses while strengthening America's national security at the same time.
According to the White House, this agreement will cut tariffs on British cars, steel, and aluminum coming into the U.S., while making it easier for American beef producers to sell their products across the pond. While the final details are still being worked out, the White House has released a fact sheet with a broad overview.
Based on what's been shared so far:
* U.S. farmers and producers could gain up to $5 billion in new export opportunities to the U.K. including more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural goods like beef.
* Both countries are committing to working together to make it easier to trade industrial and agricultural products.
* The deal closes loopholes and increases U.S. firms' competitiveness in the UK's procurement market.
* It will simplify customs for U.S. exporters.
* Stronger rules will be in place for things like intellectual property, labor rights, and environmental standards.
* U.S. aerospace companies will get better access to top-quality U.K. parts, helping keep supply chains strong.
* It also sets up a secure supply chain for pharmaceuticals.
As for tariffs:
* The current 10% reciprocal tariff ( originally announced on April 2, 2025 ) is staying in place.
* The United States will agree to an alternative arrangement for the Section 232 tariffs on UK autos. Under the deal U.K. carmakers can export up to 100,000 vehicles to the U.S. per year at the 10% rate with anything over that being hit with a 25% tariff.
The U.S. has also acknowledged steps the U.K. has taken to address the global steel excess capacity. Both sides will now work on a new arrangement to replace current steel and aluminum tariffs. This includes forming a new trade union focused specifically on those industries.
The White House says this deal sets the stage for more balanced, fair-trade agreements with other countries moving forward.
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Update-Wednesday, April 30, 2025: On April 29, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order providing relief from the stacking effect of some of the tariffs put in place under the second Trump administration. The action applies to the tariffs previously imposed under Section 232 on certain automobiles/parts, aluminum and steel products (and derivatives) and under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA") against Canada and Mexico but not to the so-called reciprocal tariffs or the IEEPA tariffs against China.
The RV industry is affected by the new executive order in the following ways:
1. If a product is subject to the Section 232 tariffs on automobiles/parts, it will not be subject to the IEEPA tariffs on Canada and Mexico or the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum (and derivatives).
2. If a product is subject to the IEEPA tariffs on Canada and Mexico, it will not be subject to the Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum (and derivatives).
3. Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum (and derivatives) are, however, cumulative. In other words, where a product is subject to both the existing Section 232 tariffs on steel (and steel derivatives) and the tariffs on aluminum (and aluminum derivatives), those tariffs do stack.
It's important to note that this relief applies regardless of a company's headquarters location and is retroactive, allowing manufacturers to recoup some earlier tariff costs paid on parts imported since March 4, 2025. The credits can be applied toward future imports of auto parts, effectively reducing the cost burden of tariffs.
Also yesterday, the White House issued a proclamation adjusting existing tariffs on certain imported automobiles and automobile parts. Qualifying importers may apply for a tariff offset for imported automobile parts used in U.S.-assembled vehicles based on a percentage of the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Within thirty days, the Secretary of Commerce will establish a process to allow manufacturers and importers authorized by that manufacturer to seek such an adjustment.
Update- Friday, April 11, 2025: China announced that it will raise tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125%. However, in the Chinese Finance Ministry's statement announcing the measures, they added, "Given that American goods are no longer marketable in China under the current tariff rates, if the US further raises tariffs on Chinese exports, China will disregard such measures."
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Update- Wednesday, April 9, 2025: On Wednesday, April 9, President Trump announced a 90 day pause on the higher reciprocal tariffs that took effect today on nearly 60 countries, with the exception of China. He has immediately increased the tariffs on China to 125%, due to Beijing's continued retaliation. As of this time, it appears that countries who would have seen an increase in tariffs today will only have the baseline 10% tariffs in place during this time.
"Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable. Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
* * *
Update - Tuesday, April 8, 2025: As a result of China's 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods in response to reciprocal tariffs, the White House announced it would add an additional 50% tariff (total reciprocal tariff now 84%) on U.S. imports from China, effective at midnight on Wednesday, April 9th.
The executive order also increases the duty imposed on low value shipments from 30 percent to 90 percent and increased the per postal item duty that is in effect on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, 2025, and before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2025, from 25 dollars to 75 dollars. The per postal item goods duty in effect on June 1, 2025, will increase from 50 dollars to 150 dollars.
* * *
Update- Friday, April 4, 2025: Beginning April 10, 2025, China will impose a 34% retaliatory tariff on all United States imports. If the goods have been shipped from the place of departure before 12:01 on April 10, 2025, and are imported between 12:01 on April 10, 2025, and 24:00 on May 13, 2025, the additional tariffs prescribed in this announcement will not be levied. View China's announcement here.
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on foreign products. Speaking from the Rose Garden, the President stated that the rates will be based on the combined rate of tariffs and non-monetary barriers (such as currency manipulation, subsidized exports, etc.). The President is once again relying on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) for authority, and has declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency.
The United States will impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries around the world and will apply an additional, individualized tariff to 50 countries his administration believes have the most unfair trade relationships with the U.S. The 10% baseline rate will take effect on April 5, 2025 at 12:01 am. The individualized rates will take effect on April 9, 2025, at 12:01 am. The tariffs will be half of the combined rate of tariff and non-tariff barriers the country places on the United States. The White House's Rapid Response account posted the list to X.
These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated. The order also gives the President authority to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate, or decrease the tariffs if partners take "significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade agreements and align with the United States on economic and national security measures."
Of note:
* Some goods will not be subject to the Reciprocal Tariff. These include: (1) articles subject to 50 USC 1702(b); (2) steel/aluminum articles and autos/auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs; (3) copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles; (4) all articles that may become subject to future Section 232 tariffs; (5) bullion; and (6) energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the United States.
* For Canada and Mexico, the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders remain in effect, and are unaffected by this order. This means USMCA compliant goods will continue to see a 0% tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25% tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. In the event the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders are terminated, USMCA compliant goods would continue to receive preferential treatment, while non-USMCA compliant goods would be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.
The White House's full fact sheet is available here.
* * *
The RV Industry Association will continue to update this piece as more details of the plan become available. Please contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs ( srocci@rvia.org ) with questions.
Looking for past updates? Check out these articles:
* Feb-March Tariff Developments: What RV Industry Association Members Need To Know
* President Trump Imposes 25% Tariff On Automobiles, Certain Auto Parts
* U.S. Announces 25% Tariffs on All Steel and Aluminum Imports
* New U.S. Trade Action Seeks Fair And Reciprocal Tariffs
* RV Industry Association Statement on Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico
* Member Refresher And Q&A: USMCA And Auto Tariffs (members only, login required)
***
Original text and links presented by source here: https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/latest-tariff-developments
Protect Our Care: RFK Jr. Turns On Medication Abortion Access, Despite Necessary Uses For Autoimmune Disorders And Ectopic Pregnancies
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:* * *
RFK Jr. Turns On Medication Abortion Access, Despite Necessary Uses For Autoimmune Disorders And Ectopic Pregnancies
In 2022, after Roe v Wade was overturned largely by Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justices who lied to Congress that they never would, the Biden administration issued guidance clarifying that anti-discrimination provisions in the Affordable Care Act effectively mandate that "retail pharmacies receiving any federal funding had to carry and dispense mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate--drugs used in ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news: * * * RFK Jr. Turns On Medication Abortion Access, Despite Necessary Uses For Autoimmune Disorders And Ectopic Pregnancies In 2022, after Roe v Wade was overturned largely by Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justices who lied to Congress that they never would, the Biden administration issued guidance clarifying that anti-discrimination provisions in the Affordable Care Act effectively mandate that "retail pharmacies receiving any federal funding had to carry and dispense mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate--drugs used inmedication abortions and, in the case of methotrexate, the treatment of ectopic pregnancies and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus."
This week, the Trump-RFK Jr. HHS rescinded that Biden era rule, allowing pharmacists who take federal taxpayer money to deny these medications to patients in need for no reason at all - a total reversal from Kennedy's repeated declarations as recently as 2023 that he supports access to mifepristone and misoprostol.
"Donald Trump is so determined to deny all women access to abortion medication that he's willing to risk the lives and health of patients who need it to treat horrific conditions," said Kayla Hancock, Director of Public Health Watch, a project of Protect Our Care. "The Trump-RFK Jr. HHS has a clear and cold message for any American woman suffering from a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy or autoimmune disorder: if you can't get the treatment you need from a pharmacist who takes your tax dollars, so be it. It's the latest affront from the Trump administration against women's health and bodily autonomy as a reward to right-wing, anti-science extremists who bankrolled their campaign and don't mind gambling with women's health. Secretary Kennedy continues to show what an abject phony he is, willing to pawn off his supposed values at the turn of a dime if it serves Donald Trump politically."
BACKGROUND: Kennedy's Shifting Views Against Women's Health Freedoms
* Kennedy: "I don't trust the government to make these decisions for Americans. I'm for choice and medical freedom." "Mr. Kennedy says, 'Abortion is a tragedy but I don't trust the government to make these decisions for Americans. I'm for choice and medical freedom. We need to trust mothers to make the best decisions. We also need to give full support to mothers who want to bring babies to term.'" [Team Kennedy/MAHA, 8/15/23]
* November 2023: Kennedy supported the FDA's approval of mifepristone. "Should the FDA approval of mifepristone be revoked? How, if at all, would you seek to restrict abortion pills flowing into states where abortion is illegal? No. Kennedy supports the FDA approval of abortion medication mifepristone, his campaign said in an email." [Washington Post, 11/8/23]
* June 2023: Kennedy told New York magazine that he supports the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol. "But what about economic policy, what about affordable health care, what about steering the country through a post-Dobbs landscape when it comes to abortion? Kennedy is pro-choice and told me he supports the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol. 'I don't think there's anybody in the country who has fought harder for bodily autonomy and medical freedom to be free from the government telling us what we can and cannot do with our bodies,' he said." [New York, 6/30/23]
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Original text here: https://www.protectourcare.org/rfk-jr-turns-on-medication-abortion-access-despite-necessary-uses-for-autoimmune-disorders-and-ectopic-pregnancies/
[Category: Health Care]
Institute for Energy Research: EV Sales Grew 20% Globally in 2025
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Institute for Energy Research issued the following commentary on Jan. 30, 2026:* * *
EV Sales Grew 20% Globally in 2025
Global electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 20% in 2025, with 20.7 million EVs sold. According to Benchmark, the European EV market grew by 33% compared with 2024, with strong growth in Germany (48%), and the UK (27%). U.S. EV sales grew by only 1% in 2025, primarily due to the elimination of the federal tax credit and other policies that weakened the market. EV sales in Canada dropped by 41%, while EV sales in Mexico grew by 29% as the country received ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Institute for Energy Research issued the following commentary on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * EV Sales Grew 20% Globally in 2025 Global electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 20% in 2025, with 20.7 million EVs sold. According to Benchmark, the European EV market grew by 33% compared with 2024, with strong growth in Germany (48%), and the UK (27%). U.S. EV sales grew by only 1% in 2025, primarily due to the elimination of the federal tax credit and other policies that weakened the market. EV sales in Canada dropped by 41%, while EV sales in Mexico grew by 29% as the country receivedlow-cost imports from China. The Chinese EV market grew by 17% in 2025 due to domestic competition among automakers. This competition resulted in price wars and the availability of additional EV models. Elsewhere, the EV market grew by 48%, with a strong presence of Chinese EV imports in a number of markets, including Southeast Asia, where EV sales almost doubled.
Europe
As reported by Benchmark, Europe recorded the fastest growth in EV sales in 2025, with volumes rising 33%. Battery electric vehicle sales increased 31%, while plug-in hybrid sales climbed 38%. Germany and the United Kingdom posted strong gains of 48% and 27%, respectively, although France lagged, with EV sales up just 2% after a weak performance for much of the year before a late boost from subsidies. During the year, Europe softened its tailpipe emissions targets by shifting compliance to an average of 2025-27 emissions rather than a single 2025 benchmark, though most automakers had already prepared for the stricter rules. The European EV market is forecast to grow by 14% in 2026, driven by the revival of consumer incentives, with countries including France, Germany, and Sweden announcing support targeted at low- and middle-income households.
China
Despite Europe having the largest growth rate in EV sales in 2025, China had the most unit sales last year, growing by 17% in 2025. With few oil resources of its own and a very large coal-generating fleet, China prefers its residents to purchase EVs and provides incentives to do so. Sales of its battery electric vehicles increased by 26%, and sales of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased by 6%.
China does not impose any limitations on EV sales and has a number of incentives and subsidies to promote EV adoption, including purchase tax exemptions and a mandate that requires automakers to produce and sell a certain number of EVs each year, or face penalties. In contrast, several cities in China have a lottery system to limit new gas-fueled vehicle registrations or to allocate licenses for gas-fueled cars, making a limited number of plates available each year. As a result, in just a few years, China's EV industry captured half its domestic market, crushing sales of gasoline-powered vehicles.
China's growing EV manufacturing industry resulted in a domestic price war, forcing Chinese car manufacturers to turn to overseas markets. BYD more than doubled its EV exports, rising from 0.4 million units in 2024 to over one million in 2025, and overtaking Tesla in global EV sales. Chinese produced EVs accounted for 19% of total EV sales in Europe in 2025, and strong Chinese EV sales were also found in South America and Southeast Asia. This also resulted in Chinese internal combustion engine vehicles being dumped on the world market.
In 2026, China's EVs will be assessed 50% of the purchase tax, after being fully exempt previously, and the new trade in subsidy scheme will be proportional to vehicle price, rather than the flat rate subsidy applied in 2025 that favored smaller vehicles, reducing average EV subsidy levels.
North America
According to Benchmark, President Trump's policy changes toward auto manufacturing, vehicle fuel economy standards, and EV tax credits resulted in EV sales in the United States only increasing 1% in 2025, with the majority of those sales occurring just before the EV tax credit expired at the end of September. During the fourth quarter of 2025, EV sales fell by 49% compared with the third quarter. The U.S. EV market in 2026 is expected to be weak due to a lack of consumer incentives and supportive legislation, and investment favoring internal combustion engine production. EV sales in the United States are expected to decline by 29% in 2026.
In Canada, the government removed subsidies early in the year, causing EV sales to fall by 41% in 2025. EV sales in Mexico grew by 29%, with the majority of the growth driven by imports of EVs from China. Mexico placed a 50% tariff on EVs imported from China beginning January 1, 2026, up from the 20% duty imposed in 2025, to protect the domestic industry. President Trump urged these tariffs, worrying that Mexico's imported EVs would find their way into U.S. markets.
Rest of the World
Benchmark reports that the EV market grew by 48% in the rest of the world in 2025. Southeast Asia's EV sales almost doubled in 2025. In the final three months of that year, the EV market averaged over 55,000 EVs sold per month compared with an average of 32,000 per month in the final three months of 2024. EV sales in South & Central America grew by 49% in 2025, with Chinese-made electric vehicles accounting for over 85% of EV sales in the region. China's automakers have been partnering with local importers in South America to offer more affordable models that are tailored to regional preferences, selling their EVs at 60% of the cost of a Tesla.
Analysis
EV sales grew significantly across the world in 2025, while growth declined in the U.S. due to the removal of subsidies. Subsidies have played a significant role in increasing the prominence of EVs globally, and data indicate that EVs become less popular when subsidies are removed. To ensure consumers have access to the cars that best suit their needs, governments should step out of the way by cutting subsidies and regulations promoting certain vehicle types over others, allowing price signals to guide market decisions. As we explain in When Government Chooses Your Car, "Consumer choices serve as signals to producers about what to supply. High demand for a product indicates its desirability, prompting businesses to produce more, while low demand can lead to reduced production and further innovation."
For inquiries, please contact wrampe@ierdc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/international-issues/ev-sales-grew-20-globally-in-2025/
[Category: Energy]
Illinois Sanctuary Law Before Seventh Circuit
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform issued the following news release:* * *
Illinois Sanctuary Law Before Seventh Circuit
FAIR shows TRUST Act interferes with federal law enforcement
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The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) has filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit attacking Illinois's TRUST Act, which bars state law enforcement officers from cooperating and sharing information with federal immigration law enforcement. The federal government has sued the state over these policies, claiming they violate the supremacy ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform issued the following news release: * * * Illinois Sanctuary Law Before Seventh Circuit FAIR shows TRUST Act interferes with federal law enforcement * The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) has filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit attacking Illinois's TRUST Act, which bars state law enforcement officers from cooperating and sharing information with federal immigration law enforcement. The federal government has sued the state over these policies, claiming they violate the supremacyof federal law set forth in the U.S. Constitution.
The sanctuary policies, FAIR shows in its brief, stand as obstacles to Congress's purposes in the immigration laws, such as federal cooperation with state and local law enforcement, apprehending and removing illegal aliens, and removing aliens who have committed aggravated felonies. In this way, the policies conflict with federal law, and are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
FAIR also shows that the policies force the state's officers to violate federal criminal law against harboring removable aliens. Because the policies thereby make it impossible for officers to obey both federal law and state policy, they present a textbook case of conflict preemption.
"State measures that interfere with or stand as obstacles to the purposes of federal laws are preempted under the Supremacy Clause," said Christopher J. Hajec, deputy general counsel of FAIR. "If it were otherwise, states would do everything they could think of to block federal purposes they disagreed with, and the supremacy of federal law would only exist on paper. We hope the court realizes the serious constitutional problems with this law, and strikes it down."
The case is United States v. State of Illinois, No. 25-2904 (Seventh Circuit).
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Original text here: https://www.fairus.org/press-release/illinois-sanctuary-law-seventh-circuit
[Category: International]
GAIA Denounces the Ongoing Violence and Deaths at the Hands of ICE and CBP
BERKELEY, California, Jan. 31 -- Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2026:* * *
GAIA Denounces the Ongoing Violence and Deaths at the Hands of ICE and CBP
In response to ongoing violence, deaths, and repression caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) issued the following statement:
GAIA stands in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and with communities across the country that are resisting these violent occupations ... Show Full Article BERKELEY, California, Jan. 31 -- Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * GAIA Denounces the Ongoing Violence and Deaths at the Hands of ICE and CBP In response to ongoing violence, deaths, and repression caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) issued the following statement: GAIA stands in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and with communities across the country that are resisting these violent occupationsand repressive tactics. What we are witnessing is not public safety, it is state violence. The people of Minneapolis and other communities are standing up to protect their neighbors, resisting repression, and protesting against this authoritarian federal government.
The right to speak out and protest is fundamental to a functioning democracy and a critical tool for communities defending their safety, health, land, and futures. GAIA and our members rely on this right every day to challenge environmental injustice, corporate impunity, and policies that sacrifice frontline communities while undermining the right to a clean and healthy environment for all. The current U.S. administration is deploying federal agencies implementing militarized enforcement tactics to suppress both protest and community-led resistance, intimidate and criminalize those documenting abuses, and silence those who speak out against injustice.
Since the start of this year, at least nine deaths have been reported in connection with ICE custody or enforcement actions. We mourn the deaths of Keith Porter, Geraldo Lunas Campos, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Heber Sanchez Dominguez, Renee Nicole Good, and Alex Pretti, whose killings reveal a pattern of escalating state violence, systemic failures, and blatant disregard for human life.
We are seeing in real time the lawlessness of this agency, exemplified in the mounting reports of abuse and neglect of detainees, which include children. This is the same administration that rolled back the Flores protections and continues to challenge legal safeguards for detained minors, allowing ICE to hold children in unsafe and inhumane conditions for longer periods.
GAIA demands immediate accountability from DHS, ICE, and CBP for all deaths, abuses, and violations committed under their authority. We call for an end to violent enforcement practices, the protection of the right to protest, and policies rooted in care, dignity, and community power.
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The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a member-based, environmental justice network working at the intersection of waste, climate, and justice. In the United States and Canada, GAIA supports grassroots organizations that advance zero waste solutions, challenge the plastics and petrochemical industries, reduce methane emissions, and promote safe, sustainable practices for electric vehicle battery production and recycling.
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Original text here: https://www.no-burn.org/gaia-denounces-the-ongoing-violence-and-deaths-at-the-hands-of-ice-and-cbp/
[Category: Environment]
FFRF Action Fund: Secularist N.J. Gov. Sworn in on U.S. Constitution
MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 31 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on Jan. 30, 2026:* * *
Secularist N.J. gov. sworn in on U.S. Constitution
FFRF Action Fund salutes newly sworn-in New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill as its "Secularist of the Week" for taking her oath of office on the Constitution rather than a religious text -- thereby honoring the wall between her office and religion.
Sherrill, who was ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 31 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * Secularist N.J. gov. sworn in on U.S. Constitution FFRF Action Fund salutes newly sworn-in New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill as its "Secularist of the Week" for taking her oath of office on the Constitution rather than a religious text -- thereby honoring the wall between her office and religion. Sherrill, who wasendorsed by the FFRF Action Fund in the gubernatorial race, was inaugurated as New Jersey's 57th governor last week. Her utilization of the Constitution during her oath of office, rather than the often-used Christian bible, is a welcome break from the rampant Christian nationalism spreading under the Trump administration. Sherrill used during her inauguration ceremony a copy of the state Constitution owned by New Jersey's first governor, the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
In response to Sherrill's exclusion of the bible, the Family Research Council, headed by notorious Christian nationalist Tony Perkins, swiftly took to its news and commentary outlet, The Washington Stand, to criticize her move. Joshua Arnold, a senior writer for the publication, opined that the decision proves that "Sherrill plans to take God out of government." He wrote that the move indicated Sherrill "will be guided as governor not by what the Bible says, but by what the Constitution says." Of course, this is how every governor in the United States should approach their office, honoring the foundational principle of separation of state and church.
Arnold depicts this as a negative thing, though, professing that the Founding Fathers "drew many principles found in the Constitution from Scripture" and that Sherrill's inauguration ceremony was "calculated to deliberately sever the connection to Scripture." Sherrill "does not need a biblical worldview because she already has another worldview -- a postmodern, progressive one," Arnold remarked.
Article VI of the Constitution prohibits religious tests for all public offices, which The Washington Stand acknowledged while also contending that oath-taking ceremonies for elected officials must include an emphasis on matters of "conscience," the metaphysical or the supernatural to be meaningful. Arnold argues that Sherrill's decision to use the Constitution rather than a bible during her inauguration rendered the oath-taking ceremony "meaningless."
Religious texts are not required for oath-taking ceremonies at the federal or state level, though many officials choose to use a bible. That decision is left to the elected official. Notably, President John Quincy Adams took his oath of office while using a volume of laws.
Regardless of whether a bible or a copy of the Constitution is used at an inauguration, all public officials in the United States should be "guided" by the Constitution rather than a religious text they personally ascribe to. Sherrill represents all New Jerseyans, many of whom do not follow Christianity or any other religion, and her decision shows that she takes that duty seriously and without imposing any personal religious beliefs on her constituents.
FFRF Action Fund thanks Sherrill for the laudable decision and her commitment to our secular democracy.
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/secularist-n-j-gov-sworn-in-on-u-s-constitution/
[Category: Sociological]
Cato Institute: Kevin Warsh to Replace Jerome Powell
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- Cato Institute issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:* * *
Kevin Warsh to Replace Jerome Powell
President Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to be the next Chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh is a former Fed governor, serving on the board during the 2008 financial crisis.
In a new statement, Cato scholars Norbert Michel, Jai Kedia and Nicholas Anthony say:
"There are some positive signs to this appointment. Warsh was one of the first members of the Board to criticize the Fed's use of quantitative easing as a permanent monetary policy tool, and he has expressed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- Cato Institute issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * Kevin Warsh to Replace Jerome Powell President Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to be the next Chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh is a former Fed governor, serving on the board during the 2008 financial crisis. In a new statement, Cato scholars Norbert Michel, Jai Kedia and Nicholas Anthony say: "There are some positive signs to this appointment. Warsh was one of the first members of the Board to criticize the Fed's use of quantitative easing as a permanent monetary policy tool, and he has expressedskepticism that the Fed is an all-powerful, all-knowing institution.
Still, while Warsh has spoken of the policymakers' lack of knowledge and need for humility, he has also supported the creation of a central bank digital currency, a move that would give the federal government even more control over money. And while Warsh has spoken out a fair amount about the Fed's mission creep, it will largely be up to Congress to reduce the Fed's reach.
While President Trump remains hyper fixated on interest rates, the truth is that the pick for Fed Chair has very little to do with the direction of interest rates. Hopefully, if appointed, Warsh votes for interest rate decisions apolitically and directs the Fed towards establishing rules-based monetary policy, eliminating interest payments on reserves, and drastically shrinking the size of the balance sheet."
To speak with our scholars on this topic, please feel free to reach out to Emily at esalamon@cato.org.
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Original text here: https://www.cato.org/news-releases/kevin-warsh-replace-jerome-powell#
[Category: Sociological]