DP World Brokerage – Tariffs & Trade – January 14, 2026

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DP WORLD Brokerage Newsletter January 14, 2026 EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW Today’s edition highlights critical trade and customs developments that could impact duty planning, compliance workflows, and global supply chains. From a key CBP compliance deadline to major tariff shifts and historic trade agreements, our brief breaks down what’s new, why it matters, and how DP World can help your operation stay ahead of risk and cost impacts. GLOBAL CUSTOMS & TRADE NEWS Customs Requires ACE & ACH Setup for Refunds, Protests, and PSCs   What’s happening: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is updating its refund process: as of February 6, 2026, all refunds will be issued electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH). To receive these refunds (including for protests or Post Summary Corrections), importers must have an active ACE portal account and be ACH-enrolled. Enrollment is required to access the ACH Refund Authorization tool in the ACE Secure Data Portal.   Why it matters: Without ACE and ACH setup, importers will lose eligibility for electronic refunds, protest management, and efficient PSC handling, exposing them to delayed refunds and potential compliance errors.   How DP World helps: Enrollment support: We assist with establishing and activating ACE portal accounts and ACH refund setup. Best-practice guidance: Our teams ensure proper documentation and access levels for ACE users and brokers. Ongoing compliance monitoring: Alerts and assistance to help you hit deadlines and avoid refund processing gaps. New 25% Tariff on Countries Doing Business With Iran   What’s happening: President Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imports from countries that presently conduct business with Iran, effective immediately — a broad measure intended to escalate economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing unrest. The policy could affect multiple trading partners, including China and others with existing Iran ties.   Why it matters: This unprecedented tariff could increase cost structures for imported goods from key partners, reinvigorate trade tensions with China, and complicate procurement strategies that rely on products from affected markets.   How DP World helps: Tariff impact analysis: Scenario modeling so you can forecast cost implications and adjust sourcing. Duty optimization strategies: Explore alternate trade routes or tariff mitigation tools. Global policy interpretation: Regular updates on enforcement guidance and implementation expectations. EU Reaches Historic Trade Deal With South America After 25 Years   What’s happening: EU member states have provisionally backed the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, a pact expected to be signed imminently after more than two decades of talks. Once ratified, it would establish one of the largest free-trade areas worldwide with extensive tariff reductions.   Why it matters: Tariff relief: Anticipated elimination of duties on a majority of EU–Mercosur trade lines expands market access and reduces import/export costs. Supply chain diversification: Companies can leverage new preferential treatment for a wide range of goods. Geopolitical context: The deal underscores shifting global trade alliances amidst protectionist pressures.   How DP World helps: Strategic advisory: We break down key provisions and what they mean for your supply chains. Customs planning: Identify opportunities to leverage preferential treatment and reduce duty costs. Risk monitoring: Continued briefing on ratification timing and compliance requirements. Mexico Implements New Tariffs on Autos & Auto Parts (Effective Jan 1, 2026)   What’s happening: Mexico’s updated tariff schedule imposes significant higher duties (5%–50%) on imports from non-FTA countries, including auto parts and vehicles. The changes affect more than 1,000 tariff lines for goods originating outside of Mexico’s free-trade partners.   Why it matters: These higher tariffs may increase landed costs and disrupt automotive global value chains, especially for manufacturers and suppliers without preferential origin status.   How DP World helps: Supplier network optimization: Evaluate whether current inputs qualify for lower FTA rates. Tariff mitigation planning: Leverage origin planning to capture preferential duty treatment. Duty forecasting: Quantify dollar impacts on tariff-exposed goods for budgeting and pricing. U.S. Supreme Court Could Issue Ruling on Trump Tariffs (Jan 14)   What’s happening: The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue one or more rulings today — including potentially on the legality of Trump-era tariffs — though timing remains unclear.   Why it matters: If the Court upholds or overturns key tariff authorities, duties across numerous sectors could shift, impacting pricing, sourcing decisions, and compliance strategies.   How DP World helps: Rapid analysis: We’ll interpret rulings and provide implications for tariff planning. Scenario planning: Project how potential outcomes affect classification, sourcing, and duty liabilities. Client alerts: Timely communication when decisions are issued. COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT China China’s trade activity remains a key global driver. Despite U.S. tariff pressures, China posted a record trade surplus of about $1.2 trillion in 2025, with exports rising 5.5% year-over-year — showing resilience and diversification into other regions outside the U.S. market.  Implications: Shifting demand patterns and tariff regimes mean supply strategies involving China require careful duty planning and risk assessment.   United States CBP’s ACE/ACH requirement is mandatory for refunds and PSCs beginning February 6 — act now if you haven’t completed enrollment.   Mexico New tariff rates on non-FTA imports are in force since January 1 and could notably affect components and vehicle imports from China and other non-FTA partners.   European Union & Mercosur EU member states approved a long-awaited Mercosur trade agreement after 25+ years of negotiations. It still awaits ratification, but provisional backing signals imminent tariff reductions and market expansion opportunities. END OF YEAR TAKEAWAYS & HOW DP WORLD CAN SUPPORT YOU Summary — What You Should Do Next Confirm or complete ACE & ACH setup now — prevent delays in refunds or PSC filings. Evaluate exposure to the 25% tariff on Iran-linked trade and hedge supply risk. Explore EU-Mercosur preferential opportunities once the deal is ratified. Re-assess auto and parts sourcing into Mexico under higher non-FTA tariffs. Prepare for Supreme Court tariff outcomes and adjust duty planning accordingly. Talk with an Expert Stay Connected with DP World To unsubscribe from future emails click this unsubscribe link.