Breakbulk26: Shippers Urged to Pivot From Typical View of Tariffs, Trade Compliance

Why It Matters

Ignoring tariffs inflates project cargo costs and exposes firms to compliance risk, while the new refund window offers a potential revenue boost if managed correctly.

Key Takeaways

• Tariffs often omitted from early landed‑cost calculations
• Supreme Court invalidated Trump‑era IEEPA tariffs in February
• CBP refund window covers tariffs up to 41% from 2025‑2026
• Upcoming Section 122 tariffs could add 10% to imports
• Proactive compliance can turn refunds into competitive advantage

Pulse Analysis

The United States’ trade policy landscape has shifted dramatically after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s IEEPA tariffs in February 2024. That decision not only nullified a series of punitive duties ranging from 10% to 41% but also set the stage for a new wave of Section 122 tariffs slated for July 2026. For project cargo and breakbulk operators, whose shipments often involve high‑value, time‑critical equipment, the uncertainty surrounding these duties translates directly into pricing volatility and supply‑chain risk.

Industry experts at the Breakbulk26 conference emphasized that tariff analysis must move from a reactive afterthought to a proactive, tactical component of procurement. By embedding true landed‑cost calculations—including duty, freight, insurance, and handling—into the early stages of contract negotiation, shippers can avoid surprise cost overruns that erode margins. The 28% hidden cost cited by SLB’s Mance Adams illustrates how overlooking compliance can silently eat into profitability, especially when customers assume a "door‑to‑door" price that excludes regulatory fees.

The launch of Phase 1 of the IEEPA refund process offers a tangible financial lever. Importers and customs brokers can now claim refunds for duties paid between April 2025 and the Supreme Court ruling, covering a broad spectrum of tariffs, including a 40% surcharge on Brazilian imports. Successful claims not only recoup cash but also create a competitive edge, as customers may seek partners who can pass on refund benefits. However, firms must navigate the commercial implications of refund distribution and prepare for future tariff challenges by building robust compliance frameworks and scenario‑planning tools.