Exemption of Tariffs on 11 Agricultural Product Categories – What This Means for Freight Forwarders and Importers

On November 14, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that effectively removes the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on certain agricultural products, starting from 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 13, 2025. This decision, which was quickly communicated through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updates, directly affects a range of agricultural goods, including coffee, tea, bananas, tropical fruits, and beef, among others.

Key Exemptions:

The exemption applies to 237 tariff codes within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which includes a variety of agricultural and food products. Specific tariff codes that have been exempted from tariffs include:

0805.90.01 (Citrus fruits)

0811.90.80 (Tropical fruits)

1404.90.90 (Date palm branches and other plant materials used for religious purposes)

1905.90.10 (Baked goods for religious use, including bread, cakes, and cookies)

1905.90.90 (Unclassified items used in religious ceremonies, such as communion wafers)

2008.99.21 (Acai berries)

2009.31.60 (Single citrus fruit juice, excluding oranges, grapefruits, and lemons)

2009.89.70 (Coconut water or acai juice)

2009.90.40 (Coconut water)

2106.90.99 (Acai preparations used in beverages)

3301.29.51 (Other essential oils, excluding citrus, for religious purposes)

This development is significant for businesses involved in the international shipping and importation of these agricultural products, particularly freight forwarding companies managing logistics between China and the U.S.

Impact on Freight Forwarding Industry:

Reduced Tariff Costs for Importers: The exemption removes a considerable financial burden from importers and exporters of these agricultural products. For U.S. importers, the reduction in tariffs can lead to lower overall costs for importing goods, potentially making their products more competitive in the market.

Changes in Customs Declarations: Freight forwarders must take immediate action to adjust customs declarations for shipments arriving after November 13, 2025. This means ensuring that the correct tariff codes are applied, avoiding delays, and ensuring compliance with new regulations.

Operational Adjustments: Shipping companies will need to review their current import/export logistics to ensure compliance with this exemption. Inaccurate tariff declarations can result in delays or issues with customs clearance, which could impact delivery schedules and costs.

Enhanced Market Opportunities: This tariff exemption could create opportunities for businesses to expand their offerings. Importers can now consider diversifying their product range or increasing the volume of exempted agricultural goods without the added cost of reciprocal tariffs.

Recommendations for Freight Forwarders and Importers:

Review and Correct Customs Declarations: Importers and freight forwarders should immediately review their declared shipments to ensure that any goods falling under the newly exempted tariff codes are properly declared. For shipments scheduled to arrive after November 13, 2025, it is essential to update any pending declarations.

Submit Retroactive Claims for Duty Refunds: If goods were already imported under the previous tariff schedule, freight forwarders should file for retroactive claims for tariff refunds. This can be done through the Post Summary Correction (PSC) process, which allows for adjustments and refunds for overpaid duties.

Stay Updated on Future Changes: This exemption is just one of many tariff-related changes that could affect the U.S.-China trade relationship. Freight forwarders and logistics managers should stay abreast of future developments, as tariff schedules can change rapidly, impacting overall logistics and cost structures.

Enhance Customer Communication: Clear communication with clients is essential during this transitional period. Ensure that all relevant parties are aware of these updates, and offer guidance on how to update their shipping documents to comply with U.S. Customs requirements.

Why Partner with Us for Your Freight Forwarding Needs?

Navigating the complexities of international trade can be challenging, especially with frequent changes in customs regulations and tariffs. As a professional freight forwarding company with expertise in U.S.-China logistics, we provide comprehensive services to help businesses stay compliant and reduce costs.

Customs Expertise: Our team is well-versed in the latest U.S. Customs regulations, ensuring that your shipments are always compliant with the most current tariff schedules.

Timely and Efficient Shipping: We offer reliable, timely shipping solutions, helping you avoid costly delays and keeping your supply chain running smoothly.

Tariff Optimization: With our deep understanding of tariff exemptions and import/export regulations, we can help you optimize your shipping costs and ensure that you take full advantage of any available tariff reductions.

For more information on how we can help streamline your U.S.-China shipments and optimize your customs processes, contact us today. Let’s work together to improve your logistics strategy and take advantage of the latest tariff exemptions.