THE EFFECTS OF

TARIFFS ON TRADE SHOW SHIPMENTS

With over 25 years as a trade show specialist and U.S. Customs broker, we’ve witnessed and worked through a myriad of challenging shipping scenarios.

Currently we are navigating the impact of tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, as well as retaliatory tariffs by other countries. While some negotiations are ongoing (most notably with China), the U.S. finalized most tariff rates with its trading partners on August 1. As of this writing, about 40 countries are subject to the new rate of 15%, while other countries are set to receive higher duties. The U.S. struck a deal with the EU, which brings the tariff level to 15% on many European goods exported to America. Although some aspects of the agreement are still being hammered out, EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen noted the deal would bring stability for both allies, who together account for almost a third of global trade.

In this complex environment, PIBL urges all customers to contact us well in advance of your projected shipping date, so we can answer your questions and tailor a transportation strategy to your needs. Each day we monitor ocean cargo transit times, vessels, and sailings, changing Customs requirements, shipping, and duty costs. Our team managed many international shipments throughout the spring and early summer for major trade shows and general cargo, largely without incident.

Especially following the pandemic, we recognize that there is no real substitution for trade show events, and the opportunities they provide for building connections, sales leads, and market growth. We’ve heard from many international exhibitors, who, while expressing concern about the impact of tariffs, are choosing to play the long game to be successful in American markets.

Our team works tirelessly to assure show managers and exhibitors that they can rely on PIBL as a dedicated, responsive partner – whether you plan ahead or hit the panic button.

Points worth noting:



• Ocean carriers have been decreasing some sailings as demand for cargo space is reduced on Asia-U.S. shipping routes both to the East and West Coasts, largely due to tariffs on Chinese goods. Port officials are anticipating less cargo imports in the second half of 2025.

• Trans-Atlantic trade routes are holding steady.

• We are planning earlier arrival dates for shipments when required, and PIBL can hold and release containers as needed to meet trade show move-in dates. This is an advantage to exhibitors as we ensure move-in times are met and deliveries made with our oversight.

• With the economic implications of tariffs, as well as geopolitical tensions, shipments require the vigilance and expertise of a company like ours, one that maintains up-to-the-moment information from Customs and developed relationships with the ports and major ocean carriers.

• Exhibitors with high value cargo concerned about the duty/tariff liabilities can prepare a commercial invoice and provide it to PIBL (or the agent the exhibitor is working with in their country) for individualized review. We will offer advice and suggestions on valuation and options.

SHORT FACTS FOR

SHOW MANAGERS

& INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS

Tariffs are applied to trade show shipments

Many trade show items that have been traditionally duty-free or low in duty are now applicable to America’s tariffs, however, we will check harmonized numbers and the latest Customs requirements to advise you. Depending on cargo value, duty rate, and country of origin, the cost of the newly imposed tariff may not be significant enough to impact participation in a trade show.

Exhibitors must determine country of origin accurately to avoid legal and financial penalties

Country of origin is the place where the products are manufactured, produced, or grown, and will partially determine what tariff rate will apply. The importer, who is the exhibitor, will need to determine the country of origin accurately, as incorrect origin reporting can have legal and financial consequences, as the government may instill penalties and back duties. Importers must conduct a thorough analysis considering factors from raw material/component sourcing to the locations of the manufacturing processes and assembly. PIBL is available to assist you with origin assessment to avoid tariff liabilities. The importer will need to supply documentation to support the country of origin.

Recommended Arrival Dates for Trade Show Shipments

We recommend full container and air freight shipments to arrive 8-10 days prior to the move-in dates of a show. If your sea freight shipment is less than container load, it should arrive 20-25 days prior to the move-in date. For exhibitors using a Temporary Import Bond, please account for an additional day for Customs to review and release entries.



Follow Us on LinkedIn To Access Current Information

PIBL continually provides shipping and Customs updates to the trade show community through our LinkedIn posts. 

PHOENIXFOCUS

One-of-a-Kind Movie Props

Transported to Star Wars Japan 



PIBL coordinated a series of valuable shipments for display at the Star Wars Japan event held over three days in Tokyo in April. PIBL managed the transport of one-of-a-kind movie props for Lucasfilms, as well as other display and retail items for Disney and Funco. This was a highly involved arrangement of shipments due to the rarity of the items, which included ATA carnet applications for exhibition, as well as extensive licensing documentation for retail items, compounded by routing challenges throughout Asia.

This Star Wars Celebration was the largest ever with over 105,000 guests from 125 countries attending this sold-out event, where participants were treated to news of an all-new theatrical release set in the Star Wars galaxy – Star Wars: Starfighter to premiere on May 28, 2027.

Hong Kong Ballet’s

“The Butterfly Lovers” Performance

We are delighted to assist the Hong Kong Ballet once again with its shipment of scenery, props, and costumes to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in August. Catch their incredible new full-length production “The Butterfly Lovers,” a classic legend of star-crossed lovers, when it comes to New York City. Hong Kong Ballet is now celebrating its 45th anniversary season.

PIBL In Our Communities

My First Encounter With Alan Steel

I’ve known Alan Steel for almost the entirety of my career in the trade show industry. The former President and CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (Jacob Javits Center) recently retired and the industry is losing one of its most influential figures. Alan demonstrated his great integrity and business acumen at the very onset of my professional life during my first meeting with him.

More than 30 years ago, at my earliest industry job working for Schenker, the freight forwarding company, he put his faith in me to manage a situation that, if unresolved, would have meant a very large Customs penalty to George Little Management, where Alan was then employed. After researching and working to resolve the issue, I negotiated a settlement with Customs that reduced the penalty to a fraction of the original amount. That was a boost for me, new to the industry, but meaningful because it marked the beginning of a long, professional friendship with Alan and GLM.

For decades, PIBL worked closely with Alan to guide international exhibitors on shipping and Customs issues as they attended trade shows in the U.S. Together, PIBL and GLM built a series of seminars to disperse helpful information for well over a decade.

He supported the New York Chapter of IAEE throughout my time as Chair, and in my various leadership roles there over a 25-year period, always ready to graciously provide his expertise and partnership.

Alan and I were colleagues in an industry where his incredible leadership prevailed in times of both strength and turbulence for New York City. With deep-seated admiration for his many contributions, I congratulate Alan on his retirement and thank him for giving me – that “freshman” in the industry – his confidence those many years ago.

Phil Hobson

President, PIBL