A few months ago, the words "bonded warehouse" and "harmonized system codes" might not have been on the minds of many American business owners. Now they're in a massive spotlight.
U.S. businesses are increasingly using strategies to circumvent tariffs imposed by the government, according to a CNN report from May 6, 2025. Companies are rerouting their supply chains through countries not subject to tariffs, such as Vietnam and Mexico, to avoid the additional costs. This practice, known as transshipment, has seen a significant rise as businesses seek to maintain profit margins amidst ongoing trade tensions. The report highlights that while this helps companies financially, it undermines the effectiveness of tariffs as a tool for trade policy, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and monitoring by the U.S. government to ensure compliance with trade regulations.