Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Recent changes to U.S. tariff provisions significantly transform the daily operations of customs brokers, importers, and exporters. With new duties applied to a wide range of products and stricter regulations regarding the origin and composition of goods, customs compliance has evolved from a technical task into a highly strategic process. Jorge A. Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services and a licensed U.S. customs broker, provided an in-depth analysis during his presentation at Index Reynosa on June 4, 2025.
“We are facing an unprecedented tariff enforcement environment,” Torres explained. “Customs brokers must now evaluate not only the tariff classification but also whether a product contains steel or aluminum, qualifies under the USMCA, or even whether its export occurred within a specific date range.” This level of detail has increased entry processing times, sometimes exceeding two hours per transaction.
Currently, Section 301tariffs are affecting imports from China and IEEPA Reciprocal tariffs are significantly affecting imports from all countries. Additionally, under Section 232, products such as steel, aluminum, automobiles, and auto parts are subject to a 25% tariff, set to double to 50% for steel and aluminum products starting June 4. “This not only raises product costs but also the operational costs of customs processing,” Torres warned.
Chapter 99 of the HTSUS contains the applicable provisions for these tariffs, including temporary exclusions and special conditions. “Knowing the base provisions isn’t enough,” Torres clarified. “You must determine if the product qualifies for an exception, if it’s in transit, or if it comes from countries like Mexico or Canada under the USMCA. The order in which these provisions are reported also affects how duties are calculated.” The need to declare multiple tariff codes per entry line—once just one or two, now up to eight—demands accuracy and continuous attention to CBP bulletins (CSMS).
Torres also pointed out that the pressure on customs brokers has increased staffing needs and system upgrades, such as ABI Software modifications. “We’ve had to invest in technology and training just to meet these requirements without compromising efficiency,” he noted. Communication with clients is crucial: “Importers must know exactly what they are bringing in and provide accurate information about product composition, origin, and applicable exclusions. We can’t just write down ‘whatever’ on an official entry.”
Also, the processing of customs entries has gone back to manual input instead of EDI (electronic data interchange transmissions). An entry could be processed in 5 minutes or less with the EDI process. Now, with the manual processing of these additional provisions, it can take up to 2 hours to process. This definitely delays the border crossing time of shipments coming from Mexico (and other countries as well).
To mitigate the financial impact of these tariffs, Torres recommended strategies such as using Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehouses, and In-Bond transportation. He also suggested leveraging free trade agreements like USMCA and the HTSUS Chapter 98 provisions, which allow duty-free imports in specific cases. “Another tool is the drawback program, which refunds duties on goods that are exported or destroyed—though there are specific restrictions for IMMEX companies,” he added.
In terms of preparation, Torres emphasized the importance of reviewing the adequacy of importer bonds, participating in programs like ACH and Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) for duty and tariff payment, and most importantly, staying informed through official sources. “Do not make decisions based on social media or mainstream media,” he cautioned. “The only valid sources are the White House, the Federal Register, and CBP’s CSMS.”
Finally, Torres stressed that the current environment requires a collaborative mindset. “We’re all in the same boat,” he said. “Patience and cooperation are essential because we’re all learning how to navigate these new requirements together.” The so-called “tariff fatigue” is real, he concluded, but it can be managed with planning, expert advice, and ongoing communication.
Contact Jorge A. Torres, President of Interlink Trade Services and a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, for assistance regarding U.S. tariff changes and international trade compliance.
Contact Information:
- Email: jorge@interlinktrade.com
- Phone: (956) 843-9004
- Fax: (956) 843-9005
For general inquiries, you can also reach Interlink Trade Services at info@interlinktrade.com.
Mr. Torres brings over 30 years of experience in customs brokerage and international trade, focusing on compliance strategies under evolving U.S. trade policies. He has been a featured speaker at numerous industry events, including a recent presentation at Index Reynosa on June 4, 2025, discussing the impact of recent tariff changes on customs operations.
For more information about Interlink Trade Services and their offerings, please visit their website: www.interlinktrade.com.
