The global trade landscape shifted dramatically in 2025. The US implemented sweeping tariff measures that changed the economics of exporting to American markets. For UK freight forwarders and their clients, understanding these changes isn’t optional-it’s essential to survival.
Here’s what’s happening, what it costs, and how to ship smarter in the new tariff environment.
The 2025 Tariff Timeline: Key Dates That Changed Everything
On April 5, 2025, the US imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports. This represented the biggest shift in global goods trade since 1947.
Just days earlier, on March 12, 2025, the US had already introduced 25% import duties on steel and aluminium products entering from the UK and globally. By June 4, 2025, those rates increased to 50% for most countries-though the UK secured a temporary 25% rate through bilateral negotiations.
The most significant development came on May 8, 2025, when the UK and US reached an Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD). This agreement removed tariffs on steel and aluminium products entirely for the UK and reduced automotive tariffs to 10% for a quota of 100,000 vehicles per year.
August 2025: The De Minimis Exemption Ends
On August 29, 2025, the US abolished the $800 de minimis threshold. Previously, shipments valued at or under $800 entered duty-free. Now, every item faces applicable duties-either 10% or a flat $80 per item, whichever is lower.
For e-commerce exporters and small parcel shippers, this changed everything overnight. Costs increased. Clearance times lengthened. Documentation requirements tightened.
Who Faces the Highest Tariffs?
Not all exporters face the same rates. The US applied different tariff levels based on country of origin and product category:
- China: Initially hit with 145% additional duties in April 2025, later reduced to 47% after November 2025 negotiations
- Steel and aluminium products: 50% duty rates for most countries; 25% for UK under EPD provisions
- Medium and heavy-duty vehicles: 25% tariff effective November 1, 2025
- Buses: 10% tariff from November 1, 2025
- Trans-shipped goods: Additional 40% tariff for products routed through third countries to avoid duties
The UK secured preferential treatment in several categories. Under the EPD, UK-origin pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical technology goods maintain 0% tariffs for three years. Aerospace products also enjoy zero tariffs.
Automotive Sector Relief
UK automotive manufacturers gained an annualised tariff relief quota allowing up to 100,000 vehicles to enter the US at a 10% tariff rate-significantly lower than the standard 27.5% (25% additional duty plus 2.5% base rate) applied to most automotive imports.
This landmark deal saves thousands of jobs in British car manufacturing and provides a competitive advantage over European rivals facing higher rates.
The Impact on UK Small Businesses
Large multinationals have legal teams and supply chain experts to navigate tariff complexity. SME exporters don’t have that luxury.
“Nothing’s confirmed, but tariff uncertainty makes it harder to plan. We’re one of thousands of UK food companies exporting globally, and stability really matters if Britain wants its exporters to keep growing.”
– Matt Hunt, The Protein Ball Co
The Protein Ball Co exports a third of its total output to the US, shipping three containers per month. For businesses like this, even a 10% tariff changes pricing, margins, and competitiveness.
Other companies pulled back entirely. Bowers & Jones, a Bilston manufacturing firm, cancelled a £400,000 US deal rather than absorb the tariff burden or pass costs to customers.
Cocorose London shifted liability to customers, making buyers responsible for all import costs-currently 10%, potentially rising to 25% if diplomatic negotiations fail.
Greenland and the 2026 Tariff Threat
In early 2026, the US announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries-including the UK-starting February 1, 2026. The rate would increase to 25% from June 1, 2026 if no agreement is reached over Greenland-related geopolitical issues.
The situation remains fluid. Make UK is monitoring developments closely, but uncertainty itself damages confidence and planning.
How Tariffs Change Freight Forwarding
Tariffs don’t just increase product costs. They change the entire shipping equation:
1. Classification Becomes Critical
Correct HS code classification is now one of the most effective cost management tools. A single-digit error can trigger the wrong tariff rate, add thousands in duties, or cause costly clearance delays.
2. Documentation Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
Minor errors in commercial invoices, packing lists, or certificates of origin now trigger inspections or holds more frequently. US Customs enforcement has become significantly more.
3. Landed Cost Calculations Change
Every quote must now factor in applicable tariffs, which vary by product, origin, and quota eligibility. What was a simple freight calculation now requires tariff knowledge and customs expertise.
4. Inspection Delays Increase
Increased scrutiny at US ports leads to congestion, longer clearance times, and unpredictable delivery schedules. Buffer time matters more than ever.
What UK Exporters Should Do Now
Waiting for clarity isn’t a strategy. Here’s what freight forwarders should advise clients immediately:
- Assess tariff exposure by product: Identify which goods face the highest duties and whether exemptions or quotas apply
- Review HS codes with customs experts: Classification errors cost money and cause delays
- Clarify duty responsibility in contracts: Who pays-seller or buyer? Document it clearly using proper Incoterms
- Maintain regular communication with US buyers: Cost increases affect purchasing decisions; early dialogue preserves relationships
- Work with experienced freight forwarders: Specialist partners manage risk, ensure compliance, and identify cost-saving opportunities
The CSN Advantage
Complex routing, mixed modes, and multi-leg shipments become even more valuable when tariff mitigation matters. Forwarders using CSN’s completely free booking portal can compare airport-to-airport (A2A) and door-to-door (D2D) options across multiple carriers-no tabs, no spreadsheets, no email chains.
Quote in minutes. Compare rates, transit times, and customs implications. Book direct with zero subscription fees. Built by freight people, for freight people.
The Bottom Line
US tariffs in 2025 and 2026 changed the economics of exporting from the UK. Rates range from 0% for UK pharmaceuticals to 50% for steel and aluminium from most countries. The de minimis exemption is gone. Enforcement is stricter. Costs are higher.
But understanding the rules, securing correct classification, and working with specialist freight partners makes the difference between losing margin and maintaining competitiveness.
The tariff landscape won’t simplify soon. But freight forwarders who master the complexity turn regulatory burden into competitive advantage.
Quote complex routes, fast. Ship to the USA with confidence.
