This is the first in an occasional series of ESCATEC blogs tracking the progress and potential impact of escalating tariff action on the global electronics manufacturing industry. Here’s the view from the EMS shop floor as of 3pm 1st April 2025 (GMT).
Tariffs are headline news again!
It won’t have escaped your notice that global trade tensions have escalated in March 2025, with the US, EU, and other major economies implementing or announcing significant tariff actions.
These measures aim to reassert national economic interests, support domestic industries, and counter perceived trade imbalances. For OEMs and EMS providers, the implications are broad—ranging from cost inflation to compliance complexity and potential supply chain realignments.
An escalating situation
True to his campaign words, Trump has reinstated Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum and is set to launch reciprocal tariffs targeting countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. In retaliation, the EU has confirmed sweeping countermeasures, while further geopolitical-driven tariffs - particularly those tied to Venezuela - are adding layers of uncertainty to global sourcing, especially for China-linked components.
The electronics industry remains particularly exposed, with both raw materials and complex assemblies impacted by new rules of origin, shifting duty rates, and the potential for sudden enforcement actions.
Key developments
US steel & aluminum tariffs
A flat 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the US was reinstated on March 12, 2025 (source CNN)
New origin rules (“melted and poured,” “smelted and cast”) are now in force, significantly raising documentation and traceability expectations for all global suppliers.
Reciprocal tariffs framework
Beginning April 2, the US will implement country-specific reciprocal tariffs, calculated based on foreign tariff rates, non-tariff barriers, subsidies, and labour practices. (Source: Reuters)
Countries with consistent trade surpluses—such as China, the EU, Japan, and South Korea—are expected to face higher duties across various sectors. (Source: NST)
New US auto tariffs (announced March 26)
A 25% tariff on imported automobiles and light trucks will also take effect on April 2, targeting key auto-exporting nations including Germany, Japan, and Canada. (Source: Bloomberg)
Automotive electronics and component suppliers will need to assess tariff exposure and validate US content where possible under the USMCA framework.
US tariff on EU alcohol products
In response to EU countermeasures, the US announced a 200% tariff on European wines, champagnes, and spirits on March 22. (Source BBC)
Tariffs linked to Venezuela oil trade
From April 2, the US will apply a 25% tariff on all goods imported from countries purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela. This will affect China and potentially several EU countries—stacking these tariffs on top of existing duties. (Source: CNN)
EU counter-tariffs
On March 12, the EU confirmed it will impose tariffs on $28 billion of US goods, with implementation expected by mid-April. (Source: Reuters)
Targeted sectors include:
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Steel, aluminium, and industrial components
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Textiles, home appliances, plastics, and electronics-related materials
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Agricultural goods like poultry, beef, dairy, and sugar
Potential impacts on OEMs
Multi-layered tariff risk
Chinese-origin goods could face cumulative tariffs of up to 45%, and steel/aluminum-intensive products up to 70% when Venezuela-linked duties are added.
Manufacturers with operations or routing through China or the EU should urgently evaluate product origin, tariff exposure, and routing risk.
Rules of origin and supply chain disruption
Products assembled in Europe using Chinese components may no longer qualify for duty exemptions under current or forthcoming rules.
This is a critical issue for subassemblies, wire harnesses, enclosures, and other modules common in industrial and medical electronics.
Increased scrutiny and processing delays
Both US and EU customs authorities are escalating compliance enforcement.
Importers should expect:
- More frequent document checks
- Delays in customs clearance
- Penalties or reclassification risk due to improper or incomplete declarations
Cost escalation
With raw material duties layered onto freight uncertainty and rule-of-origin complexity, cost bases for electronic assemblies may rise.
Clients reliant on precision mechanicals, custom metalwork, or high-mix builds should prepare for pricing volatility and tighter margins.
Work with supply chain experts to mitigate risk
As uncertainty continues, OEMs are advised to collaborate with EMS companies to ensure maximum supply chain agility.
In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor how these developments play out across the electronics manufacturing landscape, keeping you one step ahead. Subscribe to our blog for the latest updates.
Warning: this situation is fluid - all details are correct at the time of publication.
