Tariff Deadline Extended & Legislative Advocacy
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Posted by: John Stacy
We want to make you aware of significant updates to U.S. trade policy. On July 7, President Trump signed a series of executive orders that extend the effective date for reciprocal tariffs from July 9 to August 1, 2025. The administration noted that the extension provides additional time for negotiations between the U.S. and its trading partners. In addition, the administration has announced new country-specific tariff rates that will take effect on August 1. These include: - Japan & South Korea: 25% tariff
- South Africa & Bosnia and Herzegovina: 30%
- Indonesia: 32%
- Bangladesh & Serbia: 35%
- Cambodia & Thailand: 36%
- Laos & Myanmar: 40%
- Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Tunisia: 25% Additionally, President Trump threatened an extra 10% tariff on imports from countries aligned with the BRICS bloc, particularly those supporting policies viewed as “anti-American”. This includes nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several recent additions to the group. While no specific rates have been finalized for these countries, the administration has indicated that there will be no exceptions to this policy if alignment is confirmed. GAMA continues to oppose tariffs on toys and games, which disproportionately impact small businesses, retailers, and consumers in our community. These tariffs create unnecessary financial strain and disrupt supply chains critical to our industry. We are actively advocating for legislative solutions, including our support of: S.1593 – Small Business Liberation Act, which exempts small businesses from the April 2 round of tariffs. H.R.2665 / S.1272 – Trade Review Act of 2025, which would restore Congressional oversight of tariff decisions and protect small and non-strategic businesses from broad trade actions
 Take Action
We urge all members to contact their elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate and voice support for these common-sense measures. You can reach the Capitol switchboard at: House & Senate Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Let your representatives know how these tariffs affect your business and why you support S.1593, H.R.2665, and S.1272. Here is a sample phone script when you call: Phone Script for Congressional Outreach "Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m with [Your Company Name]. We’re based in [Your City/State], and I'm one of your constituents. I’m calling to urge you to support three important bills that will help protect small and non-strategic businesses like ours from unfair tariffs: S.1593 – Small Business Liberation Act H.R.2665 and S.1272 – Trade Review Act of 2025
These measures would restore Congressional oversight and offer much-needed tariff exemptions for businesses that aren't part of strategic industries. Toys, games, and hobby products are being unfairly impacted, and these bills would make a real difference for companies like mine. Please support these bills and help keep small businesses competitive and resilient. Thanks very much for your time." If you have questions or need assistance evaluating the impact of these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. |
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