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Trade environments are constantly changing. As your strategic partner, we help reduce risk, improve governance, and unlock growth across borders – with expert and practical advice you can act on.
With deep experience in government, logistics, and cross-border trade, we don’t just offer guidance: we roll up our sleeves and work with you to solve real operational challenges.
Our advice is always tailored, independent, and aligned with your goals – whether that’s entering new international markets, preparing for (or responding to) an audit, or strengthening operational resilience.
From board-level strategy to frontline compliance, we help businesses reduce risk, manage regulatory exposure, unlock international growth, and operate with confidence across borders.
For growing businesses, portfolio leaders and regional operators, trade disruption and regulatory risk can block expansion, damage reputation, erode value and potentially stop business altogether.
At clearBorder, we act as your independent trade partner – helping you anticipate challenges, navigate change, and operate with confidence in a complex global economy.
Shifting regulations, import delays, and customs complexity can be a struggle to navigate. We help you see around corners and move forward – proactively and with confidence.
Our mission is to make trade borders invisible. To do that we want to share import and export knowledge in the most accessible way possible. Our resources hub is home to expert insights, thought-leadership and helpful tips.
A clearBorder watching brief TLDR The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in imposing sweeping global tariffs. The decision nullifies the broad, country-specific tariffs targeting China, Canada, Mexico, and other trade partners; potentially opening the door to refunds of billions of dollars in duties. In response, Trump invoked the never-before-used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposing a temporary 10% global tariff for 150 days, with plans to increase to 15%. Last updated: 25th February 2026 The original IEEPA tariff regime marked one of the most expansive assertions of executive trade authority in modern U.S. history. Controversially wielding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trump administration imposed sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs across dozens of countries. Legal challenges followed swiftly. States, small businesses, and major importers all argued that IEEPA granted no explicit authority to levy tariffs, and that Congress had not delegated such broad taxing power to the executive branch. In a landmark ruling, SCOTUS has agreed: striking down the tariff architecture, and delivering a sharp rebuke to the administration’s interpretation of “emergency powers”. The decision upends the legal basis of the tariff regime and forces an immediate policy recalibration for Washington. How did we get here? Until now, the Trump administration has depended upon IEEPA to apply tariffs and broad duties linked to perceived trade imbalances. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision marks a major check on that authority, with Chief Justice Roberts noting that Congress had not granted an open-ended power to levy import taxes. Exporters, again, now face heightened uncertainty: tariffs may be reintroduced under different statutes, timing and rates are fluid, and potential stacking with existing MFN (Most Favored Nation) or trade deal tariffs could disrupt global supply chains. The new 10% global tariff entered into force on 24th February under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The statute permits duties of up to 15% for a maximum of 150 days – implying an expiry window in late July 2026, unless extended or replaced by alternative measures. The White House has indicated that rates could rise from 10 to 15%, while parallel Section 232 and 301 investigations remain available as policy tools. For cross-border traders, the notion of tariff stability is a distant memory. In this latest chapter of an ongoing saga, a temporary floor has been set – but further, sector-specific tariffs or statutory pivots remain highly plausible. Contact clearBorder today → The context Key watchpoints IEEPA tariffs ruled unlawful; potential refund exposure runs into tens of billions of dollars. Section 122 invoked for the first time to impose temporary global tariffs (10%, potentially rising to 15%). Parallel tariff authorities (Sections 232 and 301) remain available to the administration. Refund mechanisms and litigation timelines through the Court of International Trade. Potential increase from 10% to 15% within the 150-day window. Stacking risk with existing MFN or sectoral tariffs. Expansion of derivative tariffs (e.g., metals content in finished goods). Diplomatic retaliation or renegotiation signals. For expert global advisory and trade horizon scanning, reach out to clearBorder now → The dust settles on Section 301 as a successor regime 13th March 2026 With the Supreme Court having curtailed IEEPA authority and Section 122 limited to 150 days, the administration is repositioning Section 301 as its primary tariff instrument. Unlike Section 122, 301 investigations can yield open-ended remedies and are not capped at 15%. Several targeted economies already concluded bilateral “reciprocal tariff” understandings with Washington in 2025, raising questions about legal coexistence and diplomatic durability. → The trade lens: The expiry of Section 122 in July will likely signal not a de-escalation, but a transition. Firms should model for tariff persistence lasting well beyond summer 2026 – especially in manufacturing-intensive sectors. USTR launches Section 301 investigations against 16 major trade partners 12th March 2026 a cyber attack that halted operations worldwide. Clearly, even the world’s largest and most widely-respected cross-border firms are not immune to trade shocks. U.S. partners weigh responses 24th February 2026 The UK, EU, India, and other trade partners are evaluating exposure to the new Section 122 tariff. European and UK exporters emphasise a need for clarity; some warn of retaliatory measures if U.S. tariffs override negotiated trade agreements. Analysts (including friend-of-clearBorder Sam Lowe, of The Financial Times) caution that this uncertainty may slow investment, disrupt inventory planning, and affect pricing strategy. → The trade lens: Boardrooms must integrate diplomatic signals into commercial risk models. Proactive engagement and scenario planning are key to mitigating short-term shocks. Legal uncertainty and market disquietude: implementation begins 24th February 2026 Section 122 tariffs officially take effect today. However, some elements (including reporting and classification) remain inconsistent. Some sectors, such as semiconductors and steel derivatives, could see additional levies in coming weeks. Litigation, including from firms like FedEx and groups representing U.S. importers, has begun – potentially highlighting potential recovery pathways, but only adding to administrative complexity. → The trade lens: Expect short-term volatility in U.S. imports. Firms should track exemptions, update customs compliance procedures, and prepare for potential stacking with existing MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs. Trump imposes 10% temporary global tariffs under Section 122 22nd February 2026 Following the landmark SCOTUS decision, Trump has signed a proclamation under Section 122, setting a 10% tariff on (the vast majority of) imports, effective for 150 days. Exemptions apply to select minerals, fertilisers, agricultural products, and certain electronics. The White House indicates that rates could rise as high as 15%, creating an uncertain forecast for the compliance environment. North American trade partners under USMCA retain protections, but the global landscape is unsettled. → The trade lens: Companies must reassess supply chains, pricing, and contracts. Contingency planning is critical as tariff levels and scope may shift rapidly. SCOTUS ruling cans Trump IEEPA tariffs 20th February 2026 The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the Trump administration’s sweeping IEEPA tariffs, citing lack of congressional authority. Country-specific and global duties on China, Canada, Mexico, and others are now legally void, potentially entitling importers to billions in refunds. President Trump has signaled he will pivot to Section 122 of the Trade Act to maintain temporary tariffs of 10-15%. → The trade lens: As expected, this creates immediate uncertainty. Refunds may take years, and new statutory tools mean short-term duty levels are volatile. Bookmark this page for live updates as the situation evolves. For trade-responsive horizon scanning tailored to your business, Speak to clearBorder today →
A clearBorder watching brief TLDRIn a recent Borders for the Boardroom podcast, we sat down with Tracy Doyle of AEB – a technology intermediary operating at the Customs–trader interface – to unpack what EU eCommerce reforms mean in practice. Drawing on AEB’s experience supporting scalable eCommerce compliance, Tracy shared a nuanced and grounded perspective of where operational pressure points are emerging, how the Data Hub could reshape data ownership, and why early architectural decisions will matter more than tactical fixes. Listen to episode 1, episode 2, or subscribe to Borders for the Boardroom today! → Available free on Spotify and Apple Music Last updated: 10th February 2026 More than 4.5 billion “low-value” items now enter the EU each year – up dramatically from around 1.5 billion in 2021 – with volumes still growing at an estimated 35-40% each year. This surge, driven in no small part by Chinese marketplaces such as Temu and Shein, had been accelerated by the IOSS (the Import One Stop Shop) and the €150 de minimis duty exemption. However, what began as consumer convenience has become an industrialised and unprecedented parcel economy. For customs authorities, this is a structural strain. Twenty-seven EU member states operate fragmented systems under rising pressure from valuation disputes, product safety concerns, and capacity bottlenecks at key air freight gateways. Trade flows are already shifting eastward within the EU, and globally, governments are converging on a tougher stance: the US already removed de minimis in August 2025, with the UK set to follow suit (by March 2029 at the latest, after the conclusion of policy consultation in March 2026). Similarly in the EU, from 1st July 2026 an interim duty regime will remove de minimis, introduce a proposed €3 flat duty and €2 handling fee (set to become effective from November 2026), and begin the transition toward a deemed importer model. These measures will be followed by the full implementation of the centralised EU Data Hub – expected by mid‑2028 – which will enable multi-party data submission and transform Customs compliance into a systemic, rather than transactional, process. The key question for businesses? Not whether reform is coming – it is – but what role they intend to play inside this new architecture. Borders for the Boardroom x AEB Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2 The context Key watchpoints The movement of eCommerce parcels has exploded in recent times – from ~1.4bn in 2022 to ~4.6bn in 2024, as low‑value imports soared. The EU is removing the €150 duty exemption in 2026, introducing a €3 flat duty and a handling fee, and building a central Data Hub to modernise Customs. Other economies (US, UK) are aligning with similar structural reforms. Implementation of EU flat duty & handling fee Launch and scope of the EU Customs Data Hub Deemed importer liability frameworks UK de minimis reform milestones Cross‑border data & documentation standards reach out to clearBorder now → The shock of scale Parcel volumes no longer manageable The EU now processes more than 4.5 billion low-value items annually – triple 2021 levels – with growth still running at 35-40% year on year. What Customs authorities once treated as marginal B2C flow has become a dominant channel. Inspection capacity, valuation controls, and safety checks designed for containerised trade are now confronting fully industrialised parcel traffic. → The key take: the sheer scale of parcel volume is the driving force behind rapid structural redesign. An end to de minimis immunity From facilitation to fiscal recalibration As of July 2026, the EU will remove de minimis exemptions in an effort to address undervaluation concerns and reduce micro‑shipment fraud. Moreover, the €150 duty exemption is also set to be removed, replaced by a proposed €3 flat duty per item. Add a €2 handling fee from November 2026, and the economics of ultra-low-value shipments begin to shift. The policy signal is clear – low-value does not mean low-impact. Governments are moving from facilitation to revenue protection and market fairness. → The key take: pricing models built on seamless border entry will now need to absorb new structural costs. The EU Customs Data Hub A new system of shared accountability At the centre of reform sits the EU’s new Customs Data Hub: a move from fragmented national systems toward centralised, multi-party data submission. Instead of one declarant filing a consolidated entry, product, valuation, and logistics data may be injected at multiple points along the supply chain. Visibility becomes systemic rather than transactional. → The key take: the fact of data ownership is set to be increasingly influential in the next phase of eCommerce trade. The deemed importer shift Liability anchored inside the Union The proposed deemed importer model – that is, a platform or online marketplace facilitating the sale of non-EU goods, responsible for collecting VAT and Customs duties at the point of sale – reassigns responsibility within the EU, placing fiscal and compliance liability closer to the consumer market. For major marketplaces already building EU warehousing capacity, this accelerates a pivot from pure B2C shipping to hybrid B2B distribution models. → The key take: concerns surrounding the structure of risk and liability are driving a supply chain redesign. Gateway arbitrage Trade flows follow friction As Western European air hubs strain under parcel volume, flows are shifting toward Eastern European entry points (including Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest) where cost and capacity dynamics differ. The reforms aim to neutralise regulatory arbitrage by standardising enforcement across 27 member states. → The key take: where friction persists, trade reroutes. Harmonisation seeks to close those gaps. The compliance question for traders Cost absorption versus margin erosion While reforms target high-volume marketplaces, smaller traders will likely feel the downstream effects. Flat duties and handling fees disproportionately impact low-margin goods; classification accuracy, valuation discipline, and Incoterm clarity become margin protection tools rather than administrative formalities. → The key take: precision in data is no longer a matter of good housekeeping or compliance hygiene, but a direct commercial defence. A signal of global convergence Major economies moving in parallel The US has already removed de minimis. The EU will do the same (as of July 2026). The UK is reviewing its own position, with the stated goal of also scrapping de minimis by 2029 at the latest. While timelines vary, the direction of travel does not. Low-value parcel exemptions are being recalibrated across developed economies as fiscal and political tolerance tightens. → The key take:as with de minimis, businesses should anticipate concerted efforts from developed economies to further harmonise Customs processing. Positioning within the new architecture What role do you want your business to play? Customs brokers, logistics providers, marketplaces, and manufacturers all face strategic choices. Enhanced AEO status, bonded warehousing, trust-and-check frameworks, and expanded data responsibilities will redefine operational positioning. Decisions taken now – on infrastructure, systems, and governance – will shape competitive advantage. → The key take:the extent of these reforms mean businesses face not an adjustment to compliance protocols, but a major supply chain strategy decision. Bookmark this page for live updates as the situation evolves. For trade-responsive horizon scanning tailored to your business, Speak to clearBorder today →
A clearBorder watching brief TLDR China’s $1.19tn yearly trade surplus highlighted how global trade flows are adapting and reconfiguring around tariffs. For China, export diversion, currency dynamics, and industrial competitiveness are cushioning US measures – but systemic trade risk remains elevated ahead of the November 2026 tariff deadline. Last updated: 24th February 2026 In January 2026, China announced it had passed a $1 trillion annual surplus – during a period defined by tariffs, partial truces, and geopolitical leverage – marking both a symbolic and structural threshold crossed. Rather than suppressing export performance, US measures appear to have accelerated and emboldened China’s diversification into ASEAN, Africa, Latin America and parts of Europe. For global businesses, though, this is more than a China story. It signals a rewiring of trade corridors, pricing structures, and sourcing models. Compliance complexity is increasing as supply chains fragment, reroute, and adapt to shifting duty regimes. With the US–China tariff pause due to expire in November 2026, uncertainty remains a live commercial risk. Contact clearBorder today → The context Key watchpoints China recorded a $1.19tn trade surplus in 2025, the largest on record. US tariffs dampened direct exports to America, but aggregate exports rose through market diversification. Imports rose just 0.5%, reflecting weak domestic demand and property. The tariff truce agreed in October 2025 is temporary, expiring November 2026. Whether the November deadline triggers renewed escalation. Currency movements influencing price competitiveness and dumping allegations. Supply chain reclassification and routing strategies. Industrial policy responses. For expert global advisory and trade horizon scanning, reach out to clearBorder now → Trump pivots to new global duties after Supreme Court ruling 22nd February 2026 A landmark US Supreme Court decision struck down broad global tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling invalidates huge swathes of Trump’s tariff schedule, including universal levies on imports from major trading partners, and prompted legal debate over potential refunds of the estimated $130 bn+ already collected. Days after the decision, the White House has moved to substitute these measures with a temporary 15 % global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 – a statute rarely used, and set to expire after 150 days unless extended. → The trade lens: for firms embedded in China‑linked supply chains, this development underlines that tariff policy remains unsettled. Companies should reassess duty forecasts and the impact of tariff regime changes on sourcing costs and customs planning ahead of the November 2026 tariff expiry and broader US–China policy shifts. China’s export surge tests nations’ resolve 5th February 2026 At Davos in late January, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that “great economic powers” were dismantling international order: a remark widely interpreted as aimed at Washington, but equally pointed in the direction of Beijing. He argued that the rules-based system is being hollowed out by unilateralism and mercantilism alike, calling for trade governance “fit for the 21st century.” China’s export surges have only intensified international pushback. More than 300 anti-dumping cases have been launched since 2020, while Mexico, India and the EU have all signalled tougher defensive trade measures. Meanwhile, the US remains politically and economically inward-facing. This creates a possible opening for Beijing to consolidate influence across emerging corridors – but, commentators warn, only if it tempers those policies perceived as undercutting domestic industries abroad. → The trade lens: in the near term, we can expect heightened scrutiny of customs valuation, subsidy exposure, and preferential origin claims on China-linked goods. This applies particularly in markets recalibrating trade defence instruments in response to surplus-driven import surges. UK–China reset signals a renewed commercial corridor 29th January 2026 During PM Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, a series of measures were agreed, aimed at stabilising and deepening bilateral economic cooperation. Most commercially significant was the granting of visa-free travel for British tourists and business travellers, alongside agreements to expand cooperation in trade and services – “making it easier for British firms to operate there.” Concurrently, AstraZeneca announced a $15bn investment into its Chinese operations. For exporters, services firms and regulated industries, there are clear signals here: London is pursuing a more predictable, structured trade relationship with China. Easier mobility for business travellers lowers friction in contract negotiation, compliance oversight, and supply chain management – particularly in pharmaceuticals, financial services, and manufacturing. However, national security sensitivities remain live variables that may yet influence licensing regimes and investment screening. → The trade lens: diplomatic thaws of this kind reduce operational friction, potentially unlocking services and investment flows. However, firms must balance renewed market access against tightening scrutiny in dual-use, sensitive, or strategic sectors. China hits 5% economic growth target 19th January 2026 China confirmed that GDP expanded by 5% in 2025, meeting its official target despite slowing momentum in the final quarter. Analysts described a “two-speed economy,” with manufacturing and exports sustaining growth while property, retail and demographic trends remain fragile. Economists warned that reliance on exports worldwide does leave China exposed to renewed trade tensions, particularly as the US-China tariff pause is due to expire in November 2026. Retail sales growth slowed to 0.9% in December, while property investment fell 17.2% over the year. → The trade lens: if global demand softens or tariffs re-escalate, shockwaves could transmit rapidly through international supply chains, particularly in high-volume sectors such as EVs, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. China announces record $1.19tn full-year surplus 14th January 2026 Beijing reported a full-year 2025 trade surplus of $1.19 trillion: the largest in its history and the first time the annual figure has exceeded $1 trillion. Monthly surpluses exceeded $100 billion seven times during the year. While trade with the US weakened under existing tariffs, exports to South East Asia, Africa and Latin America accelerated. Officials highlighted growth in green technology, robotics and AI-related exports. That said, imports rose just 0.5%, reflecting subdued domestic demand amid property sector weakness and cautious consumer spending. → The trade lens: suggests that rerouting, currency effects, and pricing adjustments are cushioning policy shocks for Beijing. This signals that tariff regimes may shift trade flows geographically rather than reduce aggregate volumes. China’s trade surplus passes $1 trillion December 2025 Data from the General Administration of Customs of China confirmed that China’s aggregate trade surplus for the first eleven months of 2025 had surpassed $1 trillion for the first time. Exports rose to approximately $3.4 trillion year-to-date, while imports fell to around $2.3 trillion. Notably, this was despite eight consecutive months of declining exports to the United States. Growth was instead driven by rising shipments to ASEAN, the EU, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Semiconductor exports rose 24.7% in the first eleven months, and electric vehicle exports continued to expand rapidly. → The trade lens: as Chinese supply chains deepen across non-US markets, tariff exposure becomes less concentrated; complicating enforcement leverage and reshaping global sourcing patterns. US–China tariff truce reshapes flows Late October 2025 Following a meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping in South Korea, Washington and Beijing agreed to pause further escalation in their tariff dispute. The US dialled back some of the most severe measures, including on select semiconductor categories, while China eased certain rare earth export controls. The move reduced the immediate risk of triple-digit tariffs but did not restore pre-dispute conditions. Core duties remained in place, and uncertainty around their duration persisted. → The trade lens: firms must assess whether a tariff ceasefire justifies re-expansion into the US market, or whether structural diversification away from US exposure remains the safer medium-term play. Bookmark this page for live updates as the situation evolves. For trade-responsive horizon scanning tailored to your business, Speak to clearBorder today →
We work with organisations where trade is high-stakes. That might mean a mid-sized manufacturer expanding internationally, a regional business leader responsible for compliance across multiple jurisdictions, or a portfolio company preparing for an exit. In short, if you’re facing customs complexity, cross-border friction, or governance pressure – we can help.
Seamlessly. We’re not here to replace internal teams; we complement them.
Many of our clients have capable in-house people, and bring us in for specialist insight, second-line assurance, or strategic input that isn’t available internally. We bring breadth, independence and deep subject-matter expertise – and we’re used to working hand-in-hand with compliance, ops, legal, and finance teams. We’re fully equipped to slot into your existing workflow, and can happily provide bespoke training programmes upon request.
Absolutely. We help businesses prepare for – and respond to – audits from HMRC, Irish Revenue, US authorities and more. That could involve reviewing documentation, assessing process gaps, or helping you communicate effectively with regulators.
Fast. In most cases, we begin with an initial discovery call and then move quickly into action: whether that’s triaging a problem, reviewing documentation, or briefing senior stakeholders. We’re structured to move at the pace of your business, not the pace of bureaucracy.
Yes, and often behind the scenes. We provide white-label advisory support to freight forwarders, brokers and customs agents who want to strengthen client relationships and reduce shared compliance risk. Whether you need scalable support or specialist insight, we’re flexible.
Yes, absolutely. Many of our engagements span several geographies or operating entities. We understand the pressure of local variation, HQ expectations, and patchy internal resource, and we’re used to helping regional leaders unify strategy while solving for market-specific challenges.
clearBorder is built for long-term relationships. Some clients come to us for a single challenge and stay for years. Others retain us for monthly advice, executive briefings or quarterly compliance reviews. Our service model is inherently flexible and always shaped around your goals – not ours.
Yes, but only when it supports the bigger picture. We can develop bespoke training or onboarding materials as part of our consultancy work, but it’s never off-the-shelf or offered in isolation. We’ve found that the most effective ‘training’ is built practically around the needs of your business, not generic content modules.
Simply book a consultation today. We’ll have an open, strategic conversation about where you are, where the risk or complexity sits, and how we can help. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to access expert perspectives before your next move.
