Some good news on U.S. tariffs

[atm]

The new section 301 tariffs seem to exempt some nihonto: 

 

“Having considered the public comments, advice of the Section 301 Committee, as

well as the advice of advisory committees, and the specific direction of the President, the

Trade Representative determined to exempt the following additional products from the

scope of [section 301 tariff] actions: . . . certain antiques, collectibles, and art.”

 

Link to text

 

We will have to see how this is interpreted and enforced by shippers and U.S. customs, but at least there now seems to be a path for importation of nihonto over 250 years old without additional tariffs.

[O koumori]

Thanks for posting the link,

Dan

[Brian]

Great, except the US just decided to punish SA with an extra 15% duties on most goods...we are not in the good books (right or wrong) and so imports from here get punished.

[John C]

2 hours ago, Brian said:

the US just decided

I notice the BBC uses this terminology as well. Neither congress nor the house have voted for recent tariffs. Most Americans do not favor paying what amounts to an extra tax on goods, so we are not in favor of them either. But I do understand that any foreign policy generated by the government is "US" policy, regardless who generated it.

It's just my opinion that the actions of a handful of individuals, or even one individual, should be specifically applied to them and not the entire population.

 

John C.

[Robert S]

On 7/26/2026 at 10:17 AM, Brian said:

Great, except the US just decided to punish SA with an extra 15% duties on most goods...we are not in the good books (right or wrong) and so imports from here get punished.

Sounds familiar.  A new 50% on Canadian goods, although a more limited range of goods... maybe.  We're definitely not in Mr. Trump's good books either these days.