Resources to Help Members Navigate Tariffs and Global Sourcing
Tariffs have caused uncertainty for International Housewares Association (IHA) member companies and their business plans. IHA is monitoring the situation and is working to educate members as details evolve.
IHA and its Washington D.C.-based government affairs office are working to bring insight and resources to the industry. Below is a list of efforts and resources to support members.
Tariff Refunds
The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 (S.3905) was recently introduced and would require refunds of IEEPA tariffs paid by businesses, with refunds issued within 180 days and priority given to small businesses. More details can be found on the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance website.
To show support for these refunds, IHA has set up a VoterVoice engagement platform to make it easy to contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this bill. Simply click here to easily send your Senators a message requesting support.
Coverage of Tariff-Related Matters
Through expert reporting, analysis and industry perspectives, HomePage News covers how tariffs, global trade regulations and supply chain shifts affect manufacturers, retailers and suppliers. Explore timely coverage that helps industry professionals understand market impacts, pricing pressures and evolving international trade dynamics.
Overview of Executive Tariff Authorities
- Purpose: Addresses unfair foreign trade practices such as intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, or trade imbalances
- Process: Requires formal investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), public comment periods, and findings of “unreasonable or discriminatory” foreign conduct before tariffs can be imposed
- Current use: Section 301 tariffs on imports from China (ranging from 7.5% to 25%) and Nicaragua (10%); new investigations announced targeting major trading partners on issues including industrial overcapacity, forced labor, pharmaceutical pricing, and digital services taxes
- Purpose: Permits tariffs on imports that threaten U.S. national security
- Process: Requires a months-long investigation by the Department of Commerce before tariffs may be imposed
- Current use: Tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, steel/aluminum/copper (including derivative items), semiconductors, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and lumber; ongoing investigations into pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, wind turbines, robotics, medical equipment, drones, and polysilicon
- Purpose: Enables the president to impose import quotas and surcharges on any country or group of countries with whom the United States has a “large and serious” balance of payment issue
- Limits: Duties capped at 15% and limited to 150 days unless Congress authorizes an extension
- Current use: Following the Supreme Court’s February 2026 ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs, President Trump immediately imposed a global tariff under Section 122 (announced at 10%, later raised to 15% where appropriate)
- Purpose: Authorizes the president to regulate economic transactions, including imports, in response to declared national emergencies concerning “unusual and extraordinary” threats to national security, foreign policy, or the economy
- Key limitation: The Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that IEEPA does not permit the President to impose tariffs
- Historical use: President Trump invoked IEEPA for “fentanyl” tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada and “reciprocal” tariffs on global trading partners—Trump was the first president to invoke IEEPA for tariffs. The IEEPA statute does allow the President to cut off trade entirely and would theoretically allow him to create import licenses requiring fees from countries seeking to export goods into the United States. Both the President and USTR Jameison Greer have referenced this, so it could be a future option.
- Purpose: Allows up to 50% duties against countries that explicitly discriminate against U.S. commerce
- Current status: This authority has never been used to impose tariffs, but the administration has signaled it may invoke it for leverage with countries like China
Monthly Blog: This IHA blog features articles to educate and inform the housewares industry about key strategic issues and IHA member services; many of the stories are sourced from IHA’s Government Affairs team and help members stay on top of current legal and technology issues.
Coalitions
Americans for Free Trade is a coalition that IHA has been a member of since its inception during the first Trump administration. The coalition is led by the National Retail Foundation (NRF) and has approximately 100 trade association members.
The NRF has also created CASE – Coalition for an Affordable & Secure Economy for America, which IHA is exploring.
Education
Free Webinars
- November 18 – Tariff Update Part 5: Deciphering Recent Developments
- August 13 – Mastering New Less-Than-Truckload Rules
- May 14 – Tariff Update: Part 3, Proven Tariff Mitigation Strategies
- June 11 – Taming Tariff Turbulence – How AI Can Make Trade Compliance Smarter (and Easier)
- May 14 – Tariff Update: Part 3, Proven Tariff Mitigation Strategies
- April 23 – Tariff Update: Part 2, Answering the Key Questions
- March 27 – Tariff Update from Washington D.C.
Future webinars will be listed when available.
Bonded Warehouses
Using a bonded warehouse to store imported goods delays the payment of customs duties. Duties are deferred until the products are taken out of the warehouse. Learn more about benefits and access lists of Bonded Warehouses in the U.S. and Canada.
Locating U.S. Manufacturers
Using a manufacturer located in the U.S. can eliminate tariff and ocean freight costs. Click to access an example list of injection molding companies and a list of manufacturer directories.
Resources
IHA has partnered with Quickcode, a unique trade compliance tool with explainable AI, that brings all the legal sources for classifications to a single pane. IHA members receive a discounted rate on the tool, which helps companies calculate specific tariffs.
A free trial is available here, or members can receive the discount by contacting Jessie DesRochers.
IHA works closely with freight logistics provider, TQL Global. TQL provides a substantial menu of logistics services and has a knowledgeable and experienced brokerage team focused on tariff issues.
For more information visit TQL’s website or contact customsconsulting@tqlglobal.com.
Reed Smith provides commentary and analysis by Reed Smith lawyers on the latest developments in trade, sanctions and export controls.
For more information, visit the Reed Smith website.
Global Business Alliance’s (GBA) Tariff Tracker helps navigate the numerous tariff developments.
For more information, visit the GBA website.
Advocacy
VoterVoice Platform
How U.S. housewares suppliers can take action:
We Pay the Tariffs is a broad-based coalition of associations and businesses working to oppose tariffs. The coalition is seeking signatories for a letter to Congress urging that tariff refunds be issued promptly. Details are available on the coalition’s website.
Current Campaign – March 7, 2026 IHA’s VoterVoice campaign makes it easy to contact your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor The Tariff Refund Act of 2026. Click here to easily direct your concerns to your Senators using a prepared letter.
The Inspired Home Show 2026 – Tariff Relief Program
The International Housewares Association understands that tariffs have had a tremendous impact on its members and the industry. As a part of the organization’s mission to maximize the success of the home and housewares industry, IHA has created a Tariff Relief Program to provide support and flexibility for members to exhibit at the industry’s most important event – The Inspired Home Show, March 10-12, 2026.
