US Tariff Policy Update: New Exemptions for Brazilian Goods & Revised South Korea Deal Finalized in November 2025
In a significant shift to its sweeping tariff policy, the Biden administration has announced major modifications affecting imports from Brazil and finalized a new trade pact with South Korea. The moves signal a continued, targeted approach to international trade, adjusting the blanket tariffs implemented earlier this year.
The most immediate change involves a substantial rollback of duties on key agricultural imports from Brazil. Effective for goods entered on or after November 13, 2025, a long list of Brazilian agricultural products is now exempt from the 40% additional duty that had been in place. This exemption means that products like beef, coffee, cocoa, orange juice, mangoes, and avocados will now face only the standard 10% universal reciprocal tariff instead of the previous total levy of 50%.
This decision provides significant relief to U.S. food importers and consumers who had faced potential supply disruptions and higher costs on these essential goods. Businesses that imported these products under the higher duty rate may be eligible for refunds by filing a Post-Summary Correction or Protest with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Simultaneously, the White House has solidified a new trade agreement with the Republic of Korea (ROK), modifying the application of Section 232 national security tariffs. Under the finalized deal, tariffs on South Korean-origin automobiles, auto parts, and lumber have been reduced to 15%. This replaces the previous 25% rate on autos and parts, offering a more favorable trading condition for a key Asian ally.
In exchange, South Korea has agreed to eliminate its cap on the number of U.S.-origin vehicles allowed into its market, a move expected to benefit American automakers. For importers, the applicable tariff for South Korean goods will now be the higher of either the rate established under the KORUS free trade agreement, the standard U.S. Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate, or the new 15% reciprocal tariff.
These updates occur within the broader framework of U.S. tariff policy, which remains complex and multi-layered. The 30% total tariff on goods from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the 15% duty on European Union imports, and the 25% levy on Indian goods all remain in effect. The universal 10% reciprocal tariff, along with the 50% duties on most foreign steel and aluminum and 25% on automobiles, continues to apply globally to non-exempt nations.
Companies engaged in international trade are strongly advised to consult the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and monitor updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to ensure compliance and understand the financial impact on their supply chains.