Ask HN: When do tariffs get levied? Who specifically charges them and how?

5•givemeethekeys•9mo ago

I'm trying to learn more about the operational side of tariffs.

- How do they get calculated? - Who calculates them and what tools do they use to calculate them? - When is the calculation done, and who pays for them?

What I'm imagining:

1. The Exporter want to ship something to America from Vietnam.

2. The shipping company loads it up and sends it to LA.

3. Item arrives at the Port of LA.

4. The Importer collects the item (or bulk items), and the port's tariff collectors inspect the shipment, calculate the tariff based on their valuation and tariff chart and charge the importer for the goods before they can be released.

Is that right? How does the importer determine the cost ahead of time - is there an online calculator? How does the import department ensure that the value of goods isn't being low balled?

Thanks!

Comments

itakenaps•9mo ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvXy6Y7rBXA&ab_channel=Cente...

ipaddr•9mo ago

6 ways.

Transactional value. The entire associated costs.

Identical product value. If the above isn't known they find identical products.

Similiar product value. If identical value isn't known they use similiar products.

Deductive Method - Most likely price sold

Computed Method - Cost of production - expensives

Residual Method Of Valuation - based on the relationship of the parties.

They inspect, measure, weigh, x-ray and use the existing labeling. They fine those who cheat, etc.

Here is a free basic online calculator. https://www.timetrex.com/resources/us-tariff-calculator

Ideally you buy software with updates or you check the government website but these days you check for executive orders because they change so quick.

givemeethekeys•9mo ago

Thank you! This gave me some food for thought.

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