Since the beginning of the year, the US administration has implemented a series of ambitious tariff regulations aimed at strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty. While these measures serve geopolitical objectives, they also have immediate repercussions on the global supply chain. At Nexline, we support our customers in responding to these new US customs regulations with agility, method and precision.
A new deal for international trade
The new tariff regulations have had the direct effect of drastically increasing customs duties on a large number of imported products, particularly those from China, Vietnam, the European Union and certain free trade areas.
The sectors most affected are:
- electronics
- automotive spare parts
- fast-moving consumer goods
- textiles and clothing
Consequence: companies that export to the United States must adapt their logistics strategy to preserve their margins and avoid disruptions.
Concrete impacts on the supply chain
These customs regulations are not theoretical. They have an immediate impact on operations:
- Skyrocketing import costs
Example: a French SME specialising in electronic lighting saw its customs duty rate rise from 4% to over 15% on its products destined for New York. The result: an additional cost of €37,000 on a single container.
- Repeated customs blockages
The US authorities are tightening controls at entry points. Goods containing components from multiple origins (e.g. China + India) may be temporarily blocked at customs pending reclassification. A 72-hour hold at JFK airport is no longer uncommon.
- Disruption to e-commerce channels
The abolition of the customs duty exemption threshold on small parcels (De Minimis) has particularly affected direct purchasing platforms from Asia. For European merchants, this requires a rapid adaptation of the e-commerce logistics model for deliveries to the United States.
- Pressure on European warehouses
Some companies have anticipated the increase in duties by increasing their stocks. The result has been saturation of logistics centres and increased storage costs, particularly in France, the Netherlands and Germany.
- Tariff coding errors
The new rules make declarations more complex. An incorrect customs code or poorly documented origin can result in adjustments, fines or even temporary confiscation of the goods. This is why it is important to seek assistance with customs declarations.
According to the Wall Street Journal, some shipowners are anticipating longer delays on transpacific routes, with slower flows from Chinese ports due to new US customs regulations.
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Nexline: concrete solutions, sector by sector
At Nexline, we don’t wait for the crisis to pass. We anticipate and take action:
- In air freight, we favour express routes with customs prioritisation.
- In sea freight, we recalibrate routes according to areas with lower tariff pressure.
- In multimodal transport, we optimise flows via Latin America or Canada to avoid overloads on the east coast.
- In pallet transport, we consolidate shipments to maximise every cubic metre transported.
- In integrated logistics, we offer complete visibility of your flows so you can make informed decisions in real time.
Turning constraints into strategic leverage
The new US customs regulations can become an opportunity for logistics modernisation:
- Review the mapping of your flows.
- Digitise your declarations.
- Reduce your dependence on a single supply zone.
- Improve the resilience of your supply chain.
At Nexline, we don’t just follow the rules: we help our customers turn them into a competitive advantage. Our promise? Proactive, predictive and tailor-made logistics à la carte.
Is your company affected by the new US regulations?
Contact our Nexline experts for a personalised assessment. Together, let us secure your international flows.
