Tariffs
Information on customs duties, import tariffs, trade agreements, and duty exemptions for immigrants relocating belongings, as well as for businesses importing goods to new countries.
NRAs Deductions: No Standard Deduction Except Indian Treaty
Nonresident aliens generally cannot take the standard deduction and must itemize U.S.-connected expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040-NR). Allowed deductions require effectively connected income. A narrow U.S.–India treaty lets qualifying…
U.S. Shutdown 2025: Trump’s Threats, Visa Delays, and Student Impacts
A partial shutdown began October 1, 2025, after missed appropriations. Trump’s threats raise chances of a prolonged stoppage,…
IKEA Warns US Consumers: Tariffs Could Drive Up Furniture Prices
IKEA warns U.S. tariffs — including 50% on cabinets (Oct 1, 2025) and 30% on sofas — will…
Tax Advantage and Costs Shape Immigrant Settlement in TX and FL
Many foreign-born workers now favor Texas and Florida because no state income tax and lower housing costs increase…
Do Tariffs Protect U.S. Jobs or Drive Outsourcing in the Long Term?
Tariffs can protect certain U.S. industries short-term by raising import prices, but increased input costs spread through supply…
US 100% Tariff on Branded Drugs: Implications and Carve-Outs
Starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. will levy a 100% tariff on imported branded/patented drugs, with an exemption…
Is the H-1B Era Ending? The $100K Fee and Transfers Clarification
A Sept 19, 2025 presidential proclamation imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions effective Sept 21; White…
US Pushes Market Reforms on India and Brazil Amid Tariff Pressure
The U.S. imposed heavy 2025 tariffs—50% on many Indian and Brazilian exports—and tightened de minimis rules to pressure…
India-U.S. Talks Face Section 232 Tariffs, Casting Doubt on a Deal
The U.S. widened Section 232 probes into key sectors, including a planned 100% pharma tariff from October 2025,…
Finance Ministry: H-1B Fee Shock Real, Yet Manageable for India
India says the U.S. one-time USD 100,000 H-1B fee risks IT export earnings and jobs but can be…