When the US tariff axe falls globally, the third-country transshipment tax avoidance route is completely blocked – a 40% punitive tariff specifically targets all kinds of 'detour' foreign traders.
On July 31, US time, Trump officially signed an executive order, and the global trade landscape changed dramatically again. The new 'reciprocal tariff' rates cover nearly seventy countries, ranging from 10% to 41%. This tariff axe will officially fall on August 7, leaving only three days for foreign trade enterprises. What makes foreign traders even more chilling is that the new policy explicitly stipulates that goods identified by US customs as 'transshipment to avoid tariffs' through a third country will be subject to an additional 40% punitive tariff.
01 Three Blades of the New Tariff Policy
The US tariff adjustment this time has constructed a refined three-tier system. At the basic tariff level, countries not listed uniformly apply a 10% tariff; Brazil and the UK receive the lowest 10% tariff; major economies such as Japan and South Korea are set at 15%. Key targets are subject to heavy taxes: Canada's tariff soared from 25% to 35%, Vietnam 20%, Thailand and Cambodia 19%, while Syria was levied the highest tariff of 41%. EU countries were uniformly 'made up', all brought to the 15% tariff line. The most lethal is the anti-avoidance clause. The new policy not only clearly stipulates a 40% heavy tax on transshipment tax avoidance, but also stipulates that US customs will publish a list of suspected transshipment countries and facilities every six months. This means that the traditional transshipment trade model will face systemic blocking.
02 Survival Strategies for Transshipment Trade
Facing the 40% punitive tariff on transshipment, compliant transformation is urgent. Supply chain restructuring has become an immediate priority. It is advisable to consider transferring some production capacity to low-tariff countries. Origin management must be absolutely transparent. After the new policy, US customs will implement stricter origin rule reviews. It is recommended to establish a full-chain traceability system from raw material procurement to finished product export, and all documents must withstand penetrative verification.
03 New Global Trade Landscape Emerging
This tariff earthquake is reshaping the trade landscape. Regional supply chains are accelerating. The US has included Canada and Mexico in the USMCA agreement exemption list, and Southeast Asian countries are discussing establishing a 'regional trade defense alliance'.
The tariff transmission effect is about to become apparent. Data from the Peterson Institute shows that more than 90% of the tariff costs will be passed on to US importers and consumers. Foreign trade enterprises should recalculate product pricing, and prices in European and American markets will generally rise in the fourth quarter.