Be prepared before an audit becomes a reality. Trade enforcement is increasing, and Customs expects companies to demonstrate reasonable care through strong compliance programs and well-documented processes. The best time to identify compliance gaps isn’t during an audit – it’s…
USTR: Administration Announces Import Surcharge to Address Balance of Payments Deficit
USTR: Administration Announces Import Surcharge to Address Balance of Payments Deficit
February 27, 2026/
Federal law, including section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, authorizes the President to impose temporary import surcharges and other restrictions when the nation faces serious international payments challenges. Acting under this authority, the Administration has determined that an ad valorem import surcharge is necessary to respond to substantial balance of payments deficits.
Officials explain that the United States is currently experiencing a persistent trade deficit, is not earning sufficient net returns on capital and labor invested abroad, and is seeing more transfer payments flow out of the country than into it. The surcharge is intended to help stabilize external accounts, encourage more balanced trade flows, and support long term economic resilience.
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