US import tariffs: what's going on

Donald Trump's 'America first' statement is widely known. The US president wants his country to become richer and more powerful again. With higher import duties in the US, he wants to stand up to other big players in the market, like China and the European Union.

Latest news

On 24 July 2026, the US regulation Section 301 came into force. This imposes a 10% import duty to imports of almost all products from the EU. Trump believes that foreign countries are not doing enough to prevent forced labour. This 10% import duty is an extra tax imposed for this reason. Not all products are covered by Section 301; there are exceptions.

Since 24 February 2026, Trump had increased import duties under a different US law. This is known as Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This law was in force for 150 days and expired on 24 July 2026. At that time, the tariff was also 10% for products from the EU. However, at that time, the additional import duty was levied on top of the existing import duties. Under Section 301, the MFN rate is increased to a maximum of 10 per cent. The US refers to these existing import duties as Most Favoured Nation (MFN).

Example

For an EU product, the MFN rate in the US is 4%. Under Section 301, the US importer now pays 4% + 6% = 10%. Under Section 122, this was 4% + 10% = 14%.

Lower import duties on certain US products

On 25 June 2026, the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1455. This came into force on 1 July 2026. As a result, importers in the EU pay lower or no import duties on certain US products. These include:

• No import duties on many industrial products from the US.
• Lower import duties on various agricultural, fishery and seafood products from the US.

How do you prove US origin?

There is no standard document to prove that a product originates from the US. At the request of the Customs Administration of the Netherlands, you must demonstrate that the product was manufactured in the US, or that the last substantial processing took place there. A certificate of origin or a ‘Made in USA’ label is not sufficient for this purpose. So you should ask your US supplier for extra proof. And keep these documents safe. As the importer, you are responsible for providing the proof.

What are the consequences?

When imports become significantly more expensive for US companies, there are several consequences. In America, and here. It is difficult to assess exactly what impact Trump's policies will have. This also depends on the product you sell as an entrepreneur. For a manufacturer of specialised agricultural machinery, business may carry on as usual. An exporting wine producer, on the other hand, may well be badly affected by competition due to the price rise. But in general, the situation is developing as follows:

• In America, importers are going to pay more for products from another country. They may make less profit as a result. Or they pass on the extra costs to business customers and consumers. In time, American entrepreneurs may choose to buy products and raw materials domestically. This will reduce international trade. 
• So, the first effects of the new policy are mainly felt in America itself. After that, the rest of the world follows. Dutch entrepreneurs may lose customers in America. They may have to work hard on their relationships. Or renegotiate prices to keep their customers.
• If trade with America declines, forwarders, carriers, and ports will also feel it. Exporters will have to look for new customers.

'America first!'

By making products from other parts of the world more expensive, Trump wants to make American products more attractive to US residents. Medicines, for example. In April 2026, Trump increased import duties on medicines covered by a US patent by 100%. From August 2028, this will also apply to other medicines. The aim is to encourage pharmaceutical businesses to produce more in the US. If Americans mainly buy goods made in their own country, this will create more American jobs and give the economy an extra boost.

What are import tariffs? 

Import tariffs, or import duties, are a kind of tax. Importers pay these for importing products from another country and marketing them in their own country. Import duties are mainly there to protect a country's own industry.

Trump policy timeline

Even before the elections, Donald Trump was talking about import levies. Now that he is president, he is changing policy. This is generating news every week. The timeline below lists the most important events.