The White House is planning to enact new tariffs on most imports by April 2, which has been dubbed "Liberation Day" by President Donald Trump. The tariffs, which could affect trillions of dollars in goods, have raised concerns among economists and some Republican lawmakers about potential economic fallout and logistical complexities.

President Trump has confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico are scheduled to proceed next month, despite initial delays. These tariffs are part of Trump's strategy to address border security concerns, specifically targeting undocumented migration and illegal drug flows. However, a US official indicated that the timing could reportedly still change.

Businesses are increasingly using the "first sale rule" to mitigate tariff costs, a practice that has gained attention under President Donald Trump's latest tariff regime. The rule allows US importers to calculate customs duties based on a manufacturer's initial sale price, bypassing markup from intermediaries. Companies have highlighted the cost-saving benefits of this approach.

Distributors are increasingly offering value-added services like light assembly, kitting, equipment installation and quality assurance to enhance customer experience and differentiate themselves from competitors, write John Nantz and Sabrina Franco of Redwood Advisors. Some distributors report margins of up to 40% on these services, which also include postpurchase offerings like repair and maintenance, and the services showcase their expertise and deep customer knowledge.

The US and China have agreed to reduce tariffs for 90 days, marking a  de-escalation in the trade war. The US will lower tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145%, while China will reduce duties on US imports to 10% from 125%. The agreement, reached in Geneva, has boosted global stocks and the US dollar.

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