The Current Landscape of U.S. Tariffs (2025)

As part of its wide-ranging trade strategy, the United States has implemented sweeping tariff policy changes in 2025. In April, the Administration invoked the Executive Order 14257 (the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs) imposing a 10 % baseline tariff on most imports starting 5 April. 
In parallel, higher “reciprocal” tariffs were introduced for specific partners and sectors, including:

• Up to 25 % on global automobile and automobile-parts imports effective 3 April. 
• A rise of steel and aluminium tariffs from 25 % to 50 % (globally, with some exceptions) effective 4 June. 
  Additionally, on 31 July 2025 the Administration published Executive Order 14266 further modifying the reciprocal tariff rates. White House
  Most recently, under the framework agreement with the EU (discussed below), Office of the United States Trade Representative and the United States Department of Commerce implemented tariff modifications via Executive Order 14346 (effective 25 Sep 2025). 
  Implications for pet-industry professionals:
  If you import pet-food ingredients, pet-care accessories or raw materials into the U.S., these tariff escalations may increase landed cost, disrupt lead-times and require strategic sourcing. Monitoring the changes in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes is critical.

EU-U.S. Framework Agreement – What It Means

On 21 August 2025 the European Commission and the United States announced the “Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade”. Congress.gov
Key elements:

• The EU committed to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and grant “preferential market access” to certain U.S. seafood and agricultural goods. Congress.gov
• The U.S. agreed to apply the higher of either the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) rate or a 15 % tariff on exports from the EU (for most goods). Congress.gov
• For strategic sectors such as aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and auto, specific exclusions or lower tariffs apply. Congress.gov
• The agreement is not yet fully implemented; EU legislation must still pass and U.S. tariff schedules must be updated. Congress.gov
  For pet industry importers/exporters, this framework signals possible easing of tariffs on certain EU-sourced components or imports into the EU from the U.S., but clarity and timing remain fluid. If your supply chain crosses the Atlantic, it’s a moment to reassess tariff exposure and sourcing strategy.

Key Tariff Measures That Impact Global Supply Chains

• The U.S. move to impose blanket tariffs on imports above the de-minimis threshold and removal of some duty-free allowances raise cost for low-value shipments and e-commerce. 
• Metals (steel, aluminium, copper) remain high-tariff sectors: the U.S. 50 % rate remains in place and may affect upstream pet accessory manufacturing (e.g., metal cages, hardware).
• For EU imports into U.S.: the 15 % baseline (under the framework) applies, but for many goods the combined MFN + Sec 232 rates may still exceed that until full implementation. Congress.gov
• For EU exporters to U.S., the new structure means increased predictability, but also the need to qualify for exclusions and track HTS listings, especially for pet-industry goods.
• Global pet-industry suppliers sourcing materials from multiple regions must now factor in higher landed cost, potential supply shifts, and increased regulatory/trade-documentation burden.

What Pet Professionals Should Do Now

1. Map your supply chain: Identify which inputs or finished goods are affected by the tariff changes (e.g., raw plastics, metals, textile trims, finished pet accessories).
2. Classify HTS codes: Ensure correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule classifications so that you can check whether new tariffs or exclusions apply.
3. Cross-verify origin: If sourcing from the EU or U.S. there may be tariff relief under the Framework, but be alert to rules-of-origin and certification requirements.
4. Adjust pricing and forecasts: Tariff increases may erode margins; build in contingency for landed-cost escalation.
5. Stay updated: The framework agreement is still subject to legislative implementation and further tariff changes may follow.
   For “For The PET Pros” at PETIN.AI: Use our global supply-chain platform to monitor changes, compare region-by-region tariff exposure and get alerts specific to pet-industry HS codes.

Latest Update & Contact

Latest policy update: 25 September 2025 — U.S. officially published modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule via Executive Order 14346 to reflect the U.S.–EU framework agreement. 
Last reviewed: 30 October 2025

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or trade-compliance advice. If you believe there are data discrepancies or potential copyright issues, please contact info@petin.ai for correction or removal.