{"id":9529,"date":"2025-04-06T22:57:33","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T20:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explegal.local\/usa-teriffs-implications-businesses\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T14:54:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T12:54:34","slug":"usa-teriffs-implications-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explegal.it\/en\/usa-teriffs-implications-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Tariffs: implications for European and Italian businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"
    \n
  1. Introduction: the executive order of April 2, 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    On April 2, 2025, the Trump Administration issued Executive Order No. 14256<\/strong>, which introduced a sweeping set of tariff measures aimed at addressing the United States\u2019 ongoing and significant trade imbalances.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The measure formally declares a state of \u201cnational emergency\u201d and implements a new reciprocal tariff regime<\/strong> targeting foreign imports.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From April 5<\/strong>, a flat 10% ad valorem<\/em> tariff<\/strong> applies to all imported goods<\/strong>, followed by an escalation, effective April 9<\/strong>, in the form of differentiated tariff rates depending on country of origin and product category. Imports from the European Union<\/strong> are now subject to a general 20% duty<\/strong>, unless otherwise exempted.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Exemptions and differentiated tariffs: analysis of affected product categories<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The executive order does not apply uniformly across all goods. A closer review of the legal text reveals numerous exemptions<\/strong> that exporting companies must evaluate with precision. Among the excluded goods<\/strong> are:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • pharmaceutical and healthcare products<\/strong>, classified under HS codes 3001\u20133005;<\/span><\/li>\n
      • copper<\/strong> and certain raw materials deemed essential to U.S. strategic industries;<\/span><\/li>\n
      • select aerospace and defense components<\/strong>;<\/span><\/li>\n
      • semiconductors and high-tech components<\/strong> (HS 8541 and 8542);<\/span><\/li>\n
      • materials not sufficiently available within the United States<\/strong>, including some specialized woods and raw inputs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Conversely, several categories remain subject to higher tariffs<\/strong> or are cumulatively affected:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • steel products<\/strong>, already subject to a 25% tariff as of March 12, 2025;<\/span><\/li>\n
        • the automotive sector<\/strong>, with a 25% tariff on vehicles and components effective April 2;<\/span><\/li>\n
        • a range of semi-finished goods and intermediate products<\/strong>, with rates varying from 10% to 15% depending on their deemed strategic importance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Given this complex tariff architecture, companies must conduct a detailed mapping of their product lines<\/strong>, ensuring correct customs classification to avoid misapplication of duties and potential penalties.<\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Operational supply chain impact: understanding Incoterms<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Tariffs are not just a policy issue\u2014they directly affect the day-to-day operations<\/strong> of companies involved in international trade. As emphasized in leading supply chain guidance, the duty becomes payable immediately upon customs clearance<\/strong> and must be accounted for accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

            The operational impact varies depending on the Incoterms<\/strong> used in the transaction:<\/span><\/p>\n