How does the EU’s CBAM affect landed costs for steel and aluminum imports?

CBAM requires importers to purchase certificates reflecting embedded emissions in covered goods, with certificate prices linked to EU ETS levels. In early January 2026, EU carbon prices have generally traded around €70–90 per tonne, which importers translate into incremental costs per shipment based on product-specific emissions. Logistics teams must collect emissions data from suppliers and align reporting to customs entries. Carriers such as DHL and Hapag-Lloyd provide advisory services to streamline these processes.

What did the USTR change regarding Section 301 tariffs on China-origin goods?

In late December 2025, USTR extended select tariff exclusions on specific China-origin products into 2026. These exclusions reduce or eliminate duties on covered HS lines, easing cost pressure for importers of industrial components and medical supplies. While the scope is limited, the extension stabilizes landed costs for eligible shipments. Importers should verify product eligibility against published exclusion lists and maintain documentation for customs clearance.

How are logistics companies responding to CBAM from an operational standpoint?

Carriers and forwarders are rolling out administrative fees and digital workflows to capture emissions data and support CBAM reporting. DHL’s customs regulatory update outlines document requirements and timelines, while Maersk has directed customers to emissions reporting tools and best practices. Hapag-Lloyd’s customer advisories detail CBAM-related import declaration changes. These adjustments help importers avoid delays and ensure CBAM certificate purchasing aligns with shipment profiles and supplier emissions.

What are the implications of China’s 2026 tariff adjustments for supply chains?

China’s 2026 tariff adjustments, effective January 1, refine MFN and provisional rates across select product categories. For importers, these changes can alter sourcing economics, particularly in consumer and strategic industrial segments. The Ministry of Finance’s notice guides traders on updated duty rates. Combined with EU CBAM and U.S. exclusion extensions, multinational supply chains are rebalancing supplier portfolios and revisiting landed-cost models to maintain margins.

What should importers prioritize in Q1 2026 to manage tariff and CBAM risk?

Importers should update HS classifications aligned with the USITC’s 2026 HTS, secure supplier emissions data for CBAM declarations, and integrate variable CBAM certificate prices into landed-cost models. They should verify eligibility for USTR’s extended exclusions and adjust contracts to reflect carbon-linked costs and compliance workflows. Working with carriers such as UPS and DHL to standardize documentation can reduce clearance delays and mitigate unexpected charges at EU borders.

EU Commission Begins Carbon Border Charges as Shippers Rework Tariff Strategies

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its charging phase, adding new costs to steel, aluminum and other imports. U.S. tariff exclusions on select China-origin goods are extended, while China adjusts 2026 import duties. Global logistics providers including DHL, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd roll out compliance updates and surcharges.

Published: January 11, 2026 By Aisha Mohammed Category: Logistics

EU Commission Begins Carbon Border Charges as Shippers Rework Tariff Strategies

Executive Summary

EU CBAM charging phase starts January 1, 2026, introducing carbon-linked costs on imports of steel, aluminum and other covered goods, with EU ETS prices hovering around €70–90 per tonne in recent weeks (European Commission; Reuters).
USTR extends selected Section 301 tariff exclusions for China-origin goods into 2026, prompting importers to recalibrate sourcing and customs planning (USTR press office notices published in late December 2025).
China announces 2026 tariff adjustments effective January 1, 2026, with changes aimed at strategic industries and consumer goods (Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China; Reuters).
Global carriers and forwarders including DHL, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd issue CBAM compliance advisories and apply administrative fees tied to new reporting requirements (DHL CBAM update; Maersk news; Hapag-Lloyd customer info).

EU Carbon Border Charges Reshape Inbound Logistics

The European Commission’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism moved into its charging phase on January 1, 2026, requiring importers of cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen to purchase CBAM certificates linked to the EU Emissions Trading System price. This effectively adds a variable cost to covered consignments, with certificate prices typically tracking recent EU ETS levels of roughly €70–90 per tonne, according to market reporting (European Commission CBAM overview; Reuters carbon price coverage).

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