Temporary Import Fees Imposed to Bolster U.S. Dollar Strength
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. government is putting a temporary extra fee (called a surcharge) on some imported goods to fix big money problems with international payments. This move helps protect the U.S. economy and national security by making imports a bit more expensive for now. The surcharge starts soon and will affect businesses that bring goods into the country, aiming to keep the dollar strong and the economy steady.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary 10% Import Surcharge Imposed
Starting February 24, 2026, the President imposed a temporary 10 percent ad valorem surcharge on articles imported into the United States for a period of 150 days, continuing through July 24, 2026. The surcharge is treated as a regular customs duty and is in addition to other duties, taxes, fees, and charges except where overlapping section 232 tariffs apply.
Large List of Import Exceptions Specified
The proclamation excludes many product categories from the 10 percent surcharge, including certain critical minerals; metals used in currency and bullion; energy and energy products; certain natural resources and fertilizers; specified agricultural products (including beef, tomatoes, and oranges); pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients; certain electronics; specified motor vehicles and vehicle parts; certain aerospace products; information materials, donations, and accompanied baggage; articles under section 232; goods entered free of duty as products of Canada or Mexico; and textile and apparel articles duty-free under certain Central American trade rules.
Foreign-Trade Zone Treatment Changed for Affected Imports
Imports subject to the surcharge that are admitted into a United States foreign-trade zone on or after February 24, 2026, must be admitted as "privileged foreign status" and will be subject on entry for consumption to any applicable ad valorem duty rate tied to their HTSUS classification. This rule applies to articles except those eligible for admission under "domestic status" per 19 CFR 146.43.
Short Transit Grace Period for In-Transit Shipments
Goods that were loaded onto a vessel and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 24, 2026, and that are entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 28, 2026, are treated as goods in transit and are not subject to the surcharge.
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