It’s been quite a busy month in the world of international trade, with some significant developments that could impact your business. As always, we’re here to keep you informed and help you navigate these changes. Here’s what’s been happening:
Trump Tariff Update: UK Secures Excellent Position
Outstanding news for UK exporters! Trump’s final reciprocal tariff executive order, signed July 31st and now in full effect from August 1st, confirms the UK has secured one of the most advantageous positions globally. We’ve locked in just a 10% additional tariff rate – one of the lowest available – whilst major competitors face significantly higher rates.
The new tariff structure shows remarkable UK advantage: the EU faces a complex calculation resulting in minimum 15% rates, Japan and South Korea at 15%, India at 25%, and some countries facing rates as high as 39% (Switzerland). Meanwhile, the UK maintains its preferential 10% rate under our Economic Prosperity Deal.
Key UK advantages confirmed:
This preferential treatment is creating significant competitive advantages for UK exporters in the American market. Our team is ready to help you capitalise on this excellent position in the new trade landscape.
RECIPROCAL TARIFF RATE BOARD
| Rate | Countries/Territories |
| 🔥 10% | 🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM • Brazil • Falkland Islands • All Countries Not Listed Above |
| 15% | European Union (Column 1 <15%) • Japan • South Korea • Norway • Iceland • New Zealand • Israel • Turkey • Afghanistan • Angola • Botswana • Cameroon • Chad • Costa Rica • Côte d’Ivoire • Democratic Republic of Congo • Ecuador • Equatorial Guinea • Fiji • Ghana • Guyana • Jordan • Lesotho • Liechtenstein • Madagascar • Malawi • Mauritius • Mozambique • Namibia • Nauru • Nigeria • North Macedonia • Papua New Guinea • Trinidad and Tobago • Uganda • Vanuatu • Venezuela • Zambia • Zimbabwe |
| 18% | Nicaragua |
| 19% | Cambodia • Indonesia • Malaysia • Pakistan • Philippines • Thailand |
| 20% | Bangladesh • Sri Lanka • Taiwan • Vietnam |
| 25% | Brunei • India • Kazakhstan • Moldova • Tunisia |
| 30% | Algeria • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Libya • South Africa |
| 35% | Iraq • Serbia |
| 39% | Switzerland |
| 40% | Laos • Myanmar (Burma) |
Important Notes:
Great News for Import Procedures
There’s been a brilliant update to OPR (Outward Processing Relief) and IPR (Inward Processing Relief) customs procedures! The number of times you can apply for authorisation in your import declaration has increased from 3 times to 10 times in a rolling 12-month period. This gives our clients much more flexibility when importing goods for specific uses like repairs, maintenance, or processing. We’re already helping businesses take advantage of this expanded allowance.
New CBAM Support Service Launched
We’re delighted to announce that our sister company, Hooper & Co, has launched a specialist advisory website at cbamsupport.co.uk to help UK manufacturers navigate the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requirements. With EU implementation beginning in January 2026 and UK CBAM obligations starting from January 2027, it’s crucial businesses prepare now. The site offers free guidance, key deadlines, and expert consultations to ensure your business stays compliant and competitive. EU customers are already demanding CBAM compliance from UK suppliers, so early preparation is essential.
See Us at the West Midlands International Trade Summit
We’re excited to be exhibiting at the West Midlands International Trade Summit 2025 on Friday 12th September at The Slate, University of Warwick. Our Director David Hooper will be speaking at this premier event, sharing insights on navigating today’s complex international trade landscape. Both Hooper & Co and Independent Freight Solutions will have a stand in the networking area – perfect for a chat about international trade and your freight forwarding needs over a cuppa! Whether you’re looking to expand globally or streamline existing operations, we’d love to see you there.
As we head into August, we’re continuing to monitor all these developments closely and will keep you updated on anything that might affect your shipments. Remember, we’re always here to help you find the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for your freight needs.
Wishing you all a fantastic rest of summer, and we look forward to catching up with many of you at the Trade Summit in September!
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
Please contact us with any questions about these updates or for assistance with your freight requirements.
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