Shipper Advisory: India Tariffs Take Effect August 27 — And a New Global Tariff Framework Is Already Here

The global trade landscape is shifting fast, and importers must be ready.
Beginning August 27, 2025, the U.S. will impose an additional 25% tariff on goods from India in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This will be in addition to the 25% reciprocal tariff already in effect as of August 7, potentially bringing the total tariff impact to 50% on some imports.

At the same time, a broader U.S. tariff regime has quietly gone into effect, reshaping import compliance for nearly every country not covered by a U.S. trade agreement.

At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we’re helping clients respond to both developments with clarity, documentation checks, and proactive strategies.

What You Need to Know About the India-Specific Tariffs

What’s changing?

• A 25% reciprocal tariff took effect August 7.
  
• An additional 25% tariff will take effect August 27.
  
• These apply to goods not already subject to Section 232 or other exemptions.
  

Are there exemptions?
Yes. Goods may be exempt from the new duties if:
They were loaded at the port of origin before 12:01 a.m. ET on August 27
They are in the final mode of transit and entered into the U.S. by September 17
Proper documentation is provided: clear bill of lading, port of loading, and transit details

How to respond:
✅ Confirm load dates and book early
✅ Verify commodity classifications and exemptions
✅ Work with your forwarder and broker to ensure proper documentation
✅ Prepare for rate increases if exemptions do not apply

Broader Tariff Framework Changes Took Effect August 7

In addition to the India-specific duties, the U.S. has launched a new “reciprocal tariff” regime that impacts all non-preferential trade partners, effective August 7, 2025, under a series of Executive Orders.

Here’s what’s changing:

1. New Baseline Tariffs

• A 10% ad valorem tariff now applies to most countries without U.S. trade agreements, in addition to MFN rates.
  
• Territory-specific rates from 15% to 50% apply to over 60 countries listed in Annex I of the Executive Order.
  
• For EU goods: A conditional 15% tariff applies when the MFN rate is lower than 15%.
  

2. De Minimis Eliminated for Non-Postal Imports

• The $800 de minimis exemption no longer applies to goods outside the postal system.
  
• All such shipments must now be formally entered via ACE by a qualified party.
  
• A specific duty of $80–$200 per item applies during the six-month transition (until Feb. 29, 2026).
  

3. Copper Tariffs Raised to 50%

• Applies to semi-finished and derivative copper products.
  
• Domestic content rules are expected within 90 days.
  

4. Transshipment Enforcement Strengthened

• Goods suspected of being rerouted to evade duties may face:
  
  • 40% penalty tariff
    
  • Fines and sanctions
    

Exemptions from These New Tariffs

The new reciprocal tariffs do not apply to:

• Goods in final mode of transit before August 7 and entered by October 5
  
• Articles already subject to Section 232, including steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts
  
• Items listed in Annex II, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals, lumber, and energy products
  

Practical Guidance for Importers and Forwarders

1. Audit High-Risk Shipments

• Review classification, country of origin, and shipping timelines
  
• Increase scrutiny on routes that may raise transshipment concerns
  

2. Update E-commerce & Parcel Workflows

• Adjust systems to reflect the removal of de minimis for non-postal imports
  
• Ensure valuation and documentation processes meet new standards
  

3. Review and Adapt Contracts

• Revise quotes and agreements to accommodate tariff changes
  
• Include flexible language for routing, duties, and pricing adjustments
  

4. Plan for Modal Shifts

• Consider bonded warehouses, duty deferral programs, and multimodal solutions
  
• Prepare contingency plans for freight bound through high-tariff corridors
  

5. Communicate Proactively with Clients

• Help clients understand cost impacts, timing, and sourcing strategy options
  
• Work together to keep cargo flowing while minimizing surprise exposures
  

Final Word: Compliance Starts with Visibility

Between the India tariff increases and the new reciprocal tariff regime, importers face a rapidly changing trade environment. But change doesn’t have to mean chaos.

At Coppersmith, we help our clients stay ahead with:

✅ Customs coordination
✅ Real-time policy alerts
✅ Compliance checks
✅ Documentation support

Reach out to your Coppersmith representative to discuss your current shipments, your tariff exposure, and how we can help keep your goods—and your business—moving.