Global Trade Policy New Rules Roundup November 2025| Comprehensive Summary of National Tariff Adjustments, Export Controls and New Port & Shipping Policies

I. The Americas

United States

Effective November 9, the U.S. has imposed a 100% additional tariff (i.e., doubling the original tariff rate) on certain China-manufactured port equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes, container chassis, and their components. The move aims to weaken China’s competitiveness in the maritime logistics equipment sector and directly impacts Chinese export enterprises as well as the global port equipment supply chain.

Starting November 1, the U.S. has levied a 25% tariff on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks and their parts, along with a 10% additional tariff on imported buses. While the policy primarily targets members of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), its exemption clauses require enterprises to shift production to North America, leading to increased costs across the global automotive supply chain.

In response to the aforementioned truck-related tariffs, the U.S. previously offered a 90-day exemption window: China and the U.S. suspended the 24% additional tariff until November 10, retaining only the original 10% base tariff.

Background Note: A U.S. trade monitoring report indicates that the country will increasingly use measures such as "Section 232" to impose tariffs on imported products deemed to pose risks to national security or create industrial dependence.

Mexico & Canada

Under the USMCA framework, tariff quotas for textiles and agricultural products implemented on January 1, 2025, have been extended until the end of the year. However, as of November, the utilization rate of some quotas has neared the upper limit. Enterprises need to plan in advance to avoid rising tariff costs.

Effective November 4, Mexico has enforced a new "Technical Specification for Low-Power Radio Equipment," requiring four categories of low-power devices (such as wireless microphones and hearing aids) to comply with new standards. The specification excludes dedicated frequency bands for emergency communications and public safety as designated in the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT).

Chile

Starting October 25, Chile has revoked the VAT exemption for parcels valued below 41 U.S. dollars. Buyers of cross-border direct orders worth 0-500 U.S. dollars are required to prepay a 19% import VAT. The new regulation covers all e-commerce platforms, aiming to combat tax evasion and balance competition between cross-border e-commerce and local retail.

Brazil

On June 10, 2025, Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (BPTO) issued Decree No. INPI/PR15/2025, officially recognizing that trademarks lacking "inherent distinctiveness" can qualify for protection by providing evidence of use to prove "acquired distinctiveness" or "secondary meaning." The rule will take effect on November 28, 2025, aiming to align Brazil’s trademark examination practices with international standards.

II. Europe

European Union (EU)

Regulation (EU) 2025/2083, which entered into force on October 20, introduced an exemption mechanism based on a "single volume threshold" for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Imports of CBAM-covered goods (such as steel and aluminum) below 50 tons per year are exempt from reporting obligations; however, excess imports face penalties of 300–500 euros per ton of embedded emissions.

Meanwhile, the proportion of certificates required for purchase has been reduced from 80% to 50% to ease enterprises’ cash flow pressure.

Since November, the EU has been formulating new regulations: Chinese enterprises selling New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in the EU will be required to disclose core technologies such as battery technology and control systems, and use local European workers and components. The measure aims to support the local industry but may escalate China-EU trade frictions.

The draft "Industrial Accelerator Act" proposes that all non-EU enterprises must source at least 40% of raw materials and manufacturing processes for products in key sectors such as batteries and energy storage from within the EU. If enterprises refuse to transfer technology, they must establish joint ventures with local EU enterprises, where the latter hold no less than 35% of the shares.

Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) & Port of Antwerp (Belgium)

The Port of Rotterdam has implemented a 6% tariff increase since January 1, while introducing an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and load factor discounts. Vessels with high ESI scores or full load capacity are eligible for tariff reductions.

The Port of Antwerp has simultaneously raised tariffs by 2.86%, with a focus on supporting green shipping and digital transformation.

III. Asia

China

Effective November 8, China has implemented a strict export licensing system covering the entire industrial chain of rare earth minerals, including mining, smelting and separation, and magnetic material manufacturing. It has also introduced a "0.1% threshold mechanism": overseas products containing 0.1% or more of controlled components of Chinese origin require an export license. This measure directly impacts global supply chains in sectors such as semiconductors and new energy vehicles.

Simultaneously taking effect, the policy has included lithium batteries and artificial graphite anode materials in export control scope. Enterprises are required to mark "dual-use item codes" when declaring to customs, restricting exports to sensitive technology areas.

Japan & South Korea

Under the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) framework, China, Japan, and South Korea have continued to reduce tariffs since November, covering auto parts, agricultural products, and other items. For example, Japan’s export tariffs on fruits to China will drop from 8% to 4%, and tariffs on auto parts will decrease from 10% to 5%.

South Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance has decided to reduce the scope of fuel tax exemptions since November, while extending the tax reduction measures for gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG butane) until the end of December 2025.

India

Starting November 1, India requires importers of solar modules to register products such as tempered safety glass and photosensitive semiconductor devices on the "Import Monitoring System for Renewable Energy Equipment," with a registration validity period of three months. The measure aims to promote the development of the local photovoltaic industry but may delay project implementation and increase import costs.

ASEAN / Southeast Asian Countries

On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the ASEAN Summit. This marks the entry of ASEAN regional cooperation into the "full membership" stage.

Myanmar has implemented tariff reductions for 9 RCEP member states since May, and will further expand the scope to electronic products and textiles starting November.

The United States has signed agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries to maintain tariff rates of 19%–20%, while granting exemptions for 1,711 tariff items, including semiconductors and agricultural products.

Regarding port automation and logistics reforms: Jakarta Port plans to launch the automation transformation of its container terminals in November, introducing an AI dispatching system to improve efficiency; Port of Haiphong (Vietnam) has launched a "Green Port" plan, offering port fee discounts to ships using low-sulfur fuel.

The State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular No. 27/2025. Effective November 1, 2025, cross-border transfers exceeding 1,000 U.S. dollars and domestic electronic transfers reaching 500 million Vietnamese dong (approximately 135,000 RMB) must be reported to the central bank. Individuals carrying more than 5,000 U.S. dollars in cash or 300 grams of gold and other valuables when entering or exiting the country must also voluntarily declare to customs.

IV. Middle East

Saudi Arabia

Effective October 29, Saudi Arabia requires all goods arriving at its seaports to submit advance manifest declarations through the FASAH national single window platform. Ocean-going routes must declare 72 hours in advance, with fines for late submissions. The measure aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and support the country’s "Vision 2030" logistics hub development.

Mandatory palletized loading and unloading policy at ports: Saudi ports launched a palletization system for cargo handling in June, with a transition period until May 2025. Starting November, pallet use for general cargo transport has become fully mandatory, excluding bulk cargo, heavy machinery, and other exempt items.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Effective November 1, the UAE imposes a 5% VAT on cross-border e-commerce parcels valued above 150 dirhams (approximately 41 U.S. dollars), down from the previous threshold of 1,000 dirhams. The policy aims to regulate the e-commerce market and increase fiscal revenue.

V. Africa

South Africa

As a subject of trade policy review, South Africa’s trade policies were examined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in September, which noted that its average Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff in 2025 is 13.9%. South Africa plans to implement export subsidies for certain agricultural products (such as wine) starting November to cope with international competition.

Port upgrading and logistics cooperation: Durban Port has launched a container terminal expansion project, scheduled for completion in 2026. Upon completion, its throughput will increase by 30%. Meanwhile, South Africa has signed a rail freight cooperation agreement with Port of Beira (Mozambique) to strengthen rail intermodal transport from Port of Beira to Johannesburg.

VI. Oceania

Australia

Effective February 2026, Australia will implement new regulations: imported food must clearly label 23 types of allergens (such as nuts and aquatic products). Enterprises are required to submit compliance plans starting November, otherwise they may face the risk of product detention.

VII. Shipping and Port Policies

Overview of Shipping Company Fee Adjustments

Below are the freight and surcharge adjustments implemented by major shipping companies (e.g., MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM) starting November 2025:

These adjustments indicate an overall rise in shipping costs and heightened supply chain risks. Enterprises should closely monitor route rate changes, contract terms, and alternative transportation options.