Trump’s Tariffs: What They Mean for Logistics & 3PL

Tariff policy entered a new phase in 2026. On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Learning Resources v. Trump that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were not legally authorized, and Customs and Border Protection stopped collecting them on February 24. The same day, a 10% Section 122 import surcharge took effect, replacing the IEEPA rates with a temporary 150-day tariff. Cost pressure on importers continues, but the legal architecture and refund posture is entirely new. Companies are turning to third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to navigate the next phase.

What Changed in 2026

The original wave of Trump tariffs in 2025 was issued under IEEPA, a law that lets the president take economic action during national emergencies. On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the law does not give the president authority to impose tariffs and that tariff authority belongs to Congress. CBP removed IEEPA tariff codes from the ACE system and stopped collecting those duties on February 24. For deeper context on the ruling, see our explainer on IEEPA tariffs ending in 2026.

On the same day, the administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows a temporary import surcharge of up to 15% for up to 150 days. The current rate is a 10% ad valorem tariff on most imported goods, effective February 24, 2026 through July 24, 2026 unless extended.

Other tariff programs are unaffected:

Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods are still active

Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and certain other products are still in effect

The de minimis exemption that allowed duty-free imports under $800 was suspended on August 29, 2025

Layered duties may still apply depending on product classification and country of origin

If your business paid IEEPA tariffs before February 24, 2026, refunds are not automatic. Lawmakers have proposed a refund process, and some importers are filing protective claims through CBP. We track the status in IEEPA tariff refunds 2026.

The Ripple Effect: Supply Chains Under Pressure

Industries that rely on international manufacturing, including automotive, consumer electronics, apparel, and food and beverage, have spent the past year repricing landed cost models. Retailers and brands are watching the Section 122 window closely because the 10% rate could be modified, extended, or replaced before July 24, 2026.

The de minimis loophole no longer applies. Since August 29, 2025, low-value shipments under $800 from countries like China face full duty assessment, materially raising the cost of cross-border ecommerce models like Shein and Temu.

A Broader Trade Landscape Than Expected

Section 122 applies to most imports regardless of origin, mirroring the broad reach IEEPA tariffs had during 2025. The wide application continues to push up landed costs on raw materials and finished goods, and many companies are still rethinking sourcing. Several U.S. trading partners had announced retaliatory tariffs in 2025, and while the Section 122 rate is lower than peak IEEPA levels, the volatility itself remains a planning problem.

China-plus-one strategies have continued to gain ground. Brands are shifting portions of production to Vietnam, India, and Mexico to reduce concentrated risk, even with overall tariff exposure unchanged. Mexico in particular has seen nearshoring acceleration in 2026.

Importers, Retailers, and the Logistics Bottleneck

For businesses bringing goods into the U.S., the cost increase is only one piece. Tariffs complicate forecasting, budgeting, and supplier relationships. To maintain product availability, many companies are now choosing to:

Rethink supplier networks

Reevaluate inventory management strategies

Allocate more stock to domestic warehouses

Prepare for added documentation and customs delays

This shift especially affects those moving containers of goods from Asia, Europe, and South America. Businesses that rely on LTL shipping for restocking, replenishment, or regional distribution are also facing volatility in pricing and capacity.

Customs Clearance and Compliance Challenges

With tariff structures shifting under both judicial and executive pressure, businesses find it harder to navigate international customs. The 2026 changes have required updates to classification codes, valuation methods, and documentation. Errors at the entry stage lead to fines or shipment holds.

3PLs that provide customs brokerage and compliance support play an essential role helping companies avoid disruptions and delays at ports and border crossings.

Rethinking Supply Chain Strategy for the Long Run

Tariffs influence long-term decisions, not just immediate costs. Companies are now:

Diversifying suppliers to reduce reliance on heavily tariffed countries

Reconsidering inventory strategies, including holding more safety stock in the U.S.

Investing in automation to reduce dependence on foreign labor and materials

Exploring domestic or nearshore manufacturing to shorten lead times and avoid duties entirely

3PL providers with the ability to flex on warehouse footprint, transportation strategy, and tech stack are becoming essential strategic partners.

Why 3PL Providers Are More Crucial Than Ever

In this environment, 3PL providers help businesses:

Identify cost-saving opportunities with smarter fulfillment models

Adapt inventory strategies by using multiple warehouse locations

Respond quickly to shifts in port congestion, customs delays, or rate hikes

Stay compliant with changing trade documentation and classifications

For brands shipping large or oversized items, experienced 3PLs reduce surcharges and offer specialized handling equipment, a real advantage when tariffs are inflating costs.