Special Episode - Tariffs and Trade Deals. What BCOs Need to Know Before August 1

In this timely episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Heather Rush, a seasoned customs broker and compliance expert and VP Sales & Marketing from Harry F. Long Inc., to break down the constantly shifting landscape of U.S. tariffs and trade deals.

Recorded on July 9 and released July 10, this conversation focuses on the latest executive order extending key Section 301 tariffs until August 1—a date the White House insists will not move again. Heather shares her expert insight on what this means for importers, exporters, and BCOs trying to navigate classification changes, tariff stacking, and the increased complexity of landed cost calculations.

Topics Covered:

• Which trade deals have been finalized (Vietnam, UK, China) and what’s still in flux

• The real-world impact of tariff stacking, with examples like steel bolts and solar generator kits

• How the expansion from 8 to 16 HTS codes per line item signals deeper complexity

• What BCOs should immediately be doing ahead of the August 1 deadline

• The difference in tariff application between bonded warehouses and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

• Why a strong relationship with your customs broker matters now more than ever

• Practical guidance on filing protests and how to avoid costly missteps in classification

Key Quote from Heather:
“Compliance isn’t just red tape—it’s insurance. And if you think Customs got it wrong, you still have to pay what they assess and go through the proper channels to get it back.”

Connect with Heather:
📧 [e-mail]
📱 LinkedIn: Heather Rush
📍 Harry F. Long Inc.