KEEPING AMERICA IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT: Today (7/7/25), President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order determining that certain tariff rates, which were initially set to expire on July 9, will expire on August 1, 2025. President Trump also sent tariff letters to many countries informing them of their new reciprocal tariff rates, which will take effect on August 1.

• President Trump took these actions based on information and recommendations from senior officials, including information on the status of trade negotiations.
  • Since President Trump modified the tariff rates roughly 90 days ago, dozens of countries have agreed or offered to lower their tariff rates and eliminate non-tariff barriers to move toward a more balanced trade relationship with the United States.
  • Notwithstanding this significant and historic progress, the U.S. trade deficit remains severe.
  • While the United States is open to additional trade discussions and deals, President Trump is taking action to establish trade relations going forward.
• President Trump sent letters to many countries explaining that, starting August 1, they will be subject to new reciprocal tariff rates designed to make the terms of our bilateral trade relationships more reciprocal over time and to address the national emergency caused by the massive U.S. goods trade deficit.
  • In some instances, countries will be subject to a revised reciprocal tariff rate that is lower than the rate initially announced on April 2.
  • For others, the reciprocal tariff rate may be higher than the previous rate.
• The President may send more letters in the coming days and weeks. The countries he sent letters to today include:
  • Japan (25%)
  • Korea (25%)
  • South Africa (30%)
  • Kazakhstan (25%)
  • Laos (40%)
  • Malaysia (25%)
  • Myanmar (40%)
  • Tunisia (25%)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%)
  • Indonesia (32%)
  • Bangladesh (35%)
  • Serbia (35%)
  • Cambodia (36%)
  • Thailand (36%)

TAKING BACK OUR ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: Today’s Order, combined with letters sent to trading partners, underscores President Trump’s commitment to take back America’s economic sovereignty by addressing many nonreciprocal trade relationships that threaten our economic and national security.

• President Trump is the best trade negotiator in history. His strategy has focused on addressing systemic imbalances in our tariff rates that have tilted the playing field in favor of our trading partners for decades. 
• Countries that aren’t serious about addressing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that impede American exports and harm American workers, farmers, and businesses are facing the consequences.
• President Trump welcomes the business of our trading partners on American soil: as these countries are aware, there will be no tariff if they decide to build or manufacture products in our country.
  • President Trump has committed that the United States will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely to bring back manufacturing jobs for Americans.
  • President Trump is using tariffs as the necessary and powerful tool to put America First after many years of unsustainable trade deficits that threaten our economy and national security. 

LIBERATING AMERICA FROM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: Since Day One, President Trump challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged them for decades and contributed to our historic trade deficit.

• On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the large and persistent U.S. goods trade deficit caused by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption.
• President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people by calling on trading partners to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for American exporters.
• Today’s announcement, based on reciprocity and fairness, will help usher in a Golden Age for the American People.

Customs Bulletin Weekly, Vol. 59, July 09 2024, No. 28 - U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Customs Bulletin Weekly for July 09, 2025. This document is a weekly compilation of decisions, rulings, regulations, notices, and abstracts concerning customs and related matters of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and U.S. Court of International Trade.

Customs Bulletin Weekly, Vol. 59, July 09 2024, No. 28

Passengers can now keep their shoes on at TSA security checkpoints

WASHINGTON—Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.

The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”

Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process. For example, passengers subject must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes.

Ending the “Shoes-Off” policy is the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration entered office. On July 2nd, TSA announced it’s “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports. In May, TSA began implementation of REAL ID at airport checkpoints which has seen a 94 percent compliance rate which has led to a more efficient security process.

• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils From Taiwan: Preliminary Results and Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, in Part, and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2023-2024
• Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Amended Final Antidumping Duty Determination; Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules From Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Antidumping Duty Orders; Correction
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Sugar From Mexico: Final Results of the Expedited Second Sunset Review of the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation
• Heavy Walled Rectangular Welded Carbon Steel Pipes and Tubes From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Sugar From Mexico: Final Results of the Expedited Second Sunset Review of the Agreement Suspending the Countervailing Duty Investigation
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Refined Brown Aluminum Oxide From China
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Hardwood and Decorative Plywood From China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Uncoated Paper From Brazil: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Steel Propane Cylinders From the People's Republic of China and Thailand: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders and Countervailing Duty Order
• Certain Steel Racks and Parts Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin From India: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review
• Certain Corrosion Inhibitors From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Acetone From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Disposable Aluminum Containers, Pans, Trays, and Lids From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquires on the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Certain Uncoated Paper From Portugal: Preliminary Results of the Administrative Review of the Antidumping Duty Order; 2023-2024
• Organic Soybean Meal From India: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Pentafluoroethane (R-125) From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods From the Republic of Türkiye: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof from the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires From India: Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Pentafluoroethane (R-125) From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Certain Tungsten Shot From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
• Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires From India: Preliminary Results and Partial Recission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Certain Vertical Shaft Engines Between 99cc and 225cc, and Parts Thereof, From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry on the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Certain Tungsten Shot From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Electronic Eyewear Products, Components Thereof, and Related Charging Apparatuses (II); Notice of Institution of Investigation

USITC Votes To Continue Investigations on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood from China, Indonesia, And Vietnam

Today (7/8/25), the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to four companies who claim their consumer goods are of U.S. origin, reminding them to comply with the FTC’s “Made in USA” requirements. Additionally, the FTC sent letters to Amazon and Walmart regarding third-party sellers who appear to be making deceptive “Made in USA” claims about their products on those online marketplaces. 

“‘Made in the USA’ is not just a slogan – it’s a sign that a product connects us to the workers and businesses that make America great,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. “Consumers want to have confidence that when they buy something labelled ‘Made in the USA’ they are actually supporting American workers and the American economy. Companies that falsely claim their products are ‘Made in the USA’ can expect to hear from the FTC.”

The FTC sent warning letters to flagpole retailer Americana Liberty, footwear maker Oak Street Manufacturing, LLC, football equipment company Pro Sports Group LLC, and personal care products manufacturer USA Big Mountain Paper Inc.

The warning letters explain that the FTC Act and the Made in USA Labeling Rule require that products advertised as “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. The FTC warned these companies to discontinue such claims or provide substantiation that the products at issue are in fact “all or virtually all” made in the United States. Companies that violate the FTC Act and the MUSA Labeling Rule may be subject to legal action including the issuance of an administrative subpoena, the filing of a federal lawsuit, injunctive relief, and civil penalties or other monetary relief. 

The FTC also sent letters to Amazon and Walmart, explaining the FTC’s “Made in USA” requirements and how they apply to online marketplaces. The letters also identify third-party sellers who may be making deceptive U.S.-origin claims on those online marketplaces. In each letter, the FTC points out that such claims may violate the FTC Act and run afoul of the platform’s specific terms of service.

Throughout July, the FTC is highlighting the importance of the FTC’s “Made in USA” requirements to ensure that Americans can trust that products advertised or labeled as “Made in USA” are actually American-made. The FTC offers additional guidance on how to comply with the Made in USA Rule.

Free for Gold Star families, discounted for military spouses and expedited lanes for service members

National Press Release Wednesday, July 2, 2025 WASHINGTON – In recognition of Independence Day and the enduring sacrifice of military families, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proud to announce a multi-faceted initiative to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community.

Starting this summer, TSA and its TSA PreCheck® enrollment providers, CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos, will honor Gold Star family members by waiving the enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck. Gold Star families have lost a loved one in military service to the United States—spouses, parents, children and siblings who carry forward the legacy of their fallen heroes. This gesture represents TSA’s profound respect for their sacrifice and aims to ease their travel journey in a meaningful way.

In addition, TSA will offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. This new benefit supports families who frequently travel to reunite with service members or relocate due to duty assignments. TSA PreCheck offers enrollees reduced wait times, expedited screening benefits and an improved checkpoint experience at selected airports.

“This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members,” said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. “By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them.”

To increase access to these benefits, TSA is collaborating with its TSA PreCheck enrollment providers to host mobile enrollment events near major U.S. military installations, making it easier for eligible individuals to enroll.

TSA, in coordination with its industry partners, is also introducing expedited access for military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at select airports near larger military installations. This includes dedicated screening lanes, or front-of-line privileges, designed to minimize wait times and improve convenience for service members. 

TSA reminds travelers that military personnel and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff are eligible for free TSA PreCheck by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking travel. Children 12 and under may accompany service members and DOD staff in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Minors 13-17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian to receive expedited screening.

In addition, the TSA Cares program remains available for veterans and wounded warriors, providing personalized assistance through the screening process and ensuring a dignified travel experience.

Gold Star families and military spouses can go to www.tsa.gov/military to learn how to enroll. For full details on TSA PreCheck benefits for the military community, visit www.tsa.gov/military and www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares.