US Tariff Changes 2026: A Guide for Businesses Shipping to the United States
Following a major ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on 20th February 2026 and a new tariff announcement from The White House on 21st February 2026, it’s understandable that businesses might be feeling uncertain at the moment.
No matter what you’re sending to the United States, we’ve tried to cover all of the most important things businesses need to know in this guide.
The Supreme Court Ruling
On 20th February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs that were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) last year were unauthorised. They ruled that only Congress has the authority to impose taxes or tariffs, and as a result the tariffs that were introduced specifically under IEEPA are no longer valid.
At first glance, you may think that this means that every tariff imposed over the last year is no longer legal, but there are some exceptions that were introduced under different measures and therefore are still in effect.
Which US Tariffs Are Still in Force?
Removing the IEEPA tariffs does not mean that importing to the US is now tariff free. There are still several significant frameworks that remain in place (not to mention the new blanket tariff that we’ll cover shortly).
Tariffs still in place and not invalidated by the ruling include:
- Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China
- Section 232 sector-specific tariffs, including on steel and aluminium
- The suspension of de minimis
There have been some discussions about the possibility of refunds being issued for the tariffs that have been paid for so far, but nothing has been confirmed. It’s important not to treat these refunds as guaranteed until further advice has been issued around eligibility, the process, or estimated timelines.
The New 15% Blanket Tariff: What Was Introduced?
Following on from the Supreme Court’s decision, The White House introduce a blanket tariff of 15% on imports from all countries. This measure comes into effect on 24th February 2026 and will remain through to the end of July 2026.This 15% tariff replaces the now invalid, country-specific IEEPA tariffs that were introduced last year, and while it might sound like a big cost increase at first, that’s not the reality in many cases. Rather than increasing the amount paid, this is simply a restructuring of how the tariffs are applied.
For some countries, this new tariff will actually reduce the amount that exporters are paying - for example, Brazilian exporters can expect a smaller bill going forward - while for other countries (such as the UK), prices might go up slightly.
Exporters in the EU can expect to see little to no change, and while those in China may see a slight reduction, existing tariffs on many goods will still apply maintaining levels at 40% in some cases.
Will Shipping Costs Increase?
Tariffs are import charges collected by customs and have little to no impact on courier fees. However, if you’re shipping via Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), then it may be worth reviewing your pricing in order to make sure that any additional costs are covered.
What Does This Mean for UK Exporters?
For many UK based businesses, the new 15% tariff may result in a slight increase in import costs when compared to the tariffs that have been in place for the last year. However, it’s important to note that it’s unlikely to have a significant disruptive impact for most exporters.
Remember, however, that you’ll need to check whether or not additional tariffs will be applied, so it’s crucial to make sure that all of your paperwork and declarations are correct and double checked beforehand.
It’s also important to remember that these tariffs and the policy behind them can shift at any time, so staying informed is critical.
In most cases there is no need to panic. These new measures are unlikely to cause massive disruption, but now may be the time to review pricing structures, check product classifications, and review suppliers.
If you find yourself unsure or in need of extra help, then reach out to our customer service team who will do whatever they can to support you.
FAQs
Are all US tariffs now cancelled?
No. Only tariffs imposed under IEEPA have been ruled invalid which means that section 301 tariffs on China, Section 232 tariffs, and the suspension of de minimis remains in force.
Does the 15% tariff apply to UK goods?
Yes. The new 15% blanket tariff applies to imports from all countries, including the UK.
Will tariffs automatically reduce after July 2026?
We can’t be sure. At the moment, the 15% tariff is scheduled to end at the end of July 2026, but policies may change and there’s no confirmation of what will happen past this date.
Can I get a refund for tariffs I’ve already paid?
Maybe. There have been discussions about refunds for IEEPA tariffs that were collected in the last year, but no official guidance has been released. It’s important not to treat refunds as expected income.
Do tariffs affect shipping prices?
No. Tariffs are import duties imposed by the government and are separate from courier fees.