International Tariff Information
As the University continues to assess how international tariffs affect purchases, this section of the website will be updated regularly.
For specific questions, please contact Procurement or Construction Contracts staff by email.
[email protected] [email protected]
Tariff Updates
Dear Colleagues,
Recent changes to international tariffs may lead to increased prices for supplies, equipment, and other materials essential to university operations. Unfortunately, these price increases are largely unavoidable, as both domestic and international suppliers are passing the added costs on to customers.
To help mitigate the impact, we encourage all departments to anticipate potential cost fluctuations when planning upcoming budgets and procurement requests.
In addition, please take the following steps when requesting quotes:
Ensure that all quotes clearly state whether tariffs are included. If not explicitly mentioned, tariffs are likely not reflected in the quoted price.
For goods sourced internationally, request quotes based on the Incoterm DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). This ensures the quoted price includes all applicable tariffs and delivery costs.
Please note that even when a quote is provided, some suppliers may include a condition allowing for price increases between the time of the quote and the shipment— particularly for items with long lead times or subject to inflation.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Thank you for your attention and understanding. Regards,
Tamara
Tamara J. Bradshaw, MBA, CPPO | Associate Director of Procurement and Contract Services | Procurement, Contracts and Materials Management | Oregon State University 644 SW 13th Street | Corvallis, OR 97333-4238 | Phone: 541.737.8044 | Fax: 541.737.2170
[email protected] | https://pcmm.oregonstate.edu/
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Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 10:50 AM
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Subject: Update: International Tariffs & OSU Purchases – Effective August 7, 2025
US trade and tariff policy continues to change rapidly and a significant number of new tariffs became effective August 7. Unfortunately, price increases due to higher tariff rates will likely be unavoidable, as most domestic and international suppliers will pass the added costs on to customers. The party responsible for payment of tariffs is determined by the terms and conditions of the contract or quote.
Procurement and Construction Contracts kindly requests that the following be taken into consideration when requesting and reviewing supplier quotes:
- For goods sourced internationally, request quotes based on the Incoterm DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). This ensures the quoted price includes all applicable tariffs and delivery costs.
- Ensure that all quotes clearly state whether tariffs are included. If not explicitly mentioned, tariffs may not be reflected in the quoted price.
Please note that even when a quote is provided, some suppliers may include a condition allowing for price increases between the time of the quote and the shipment —particularly for items with long lead times or subject to inflation.
- Suppliers should, at maximum, only be passing on the increased costs based on the actual cost of goods sold only for components made overseas. Tariff rates or surcharges should not apply to a profit margin, charges for services, or US sourced materials.
- For existing contracts and orders, please maintain regular communications with suppliers to monitor the impact of tariffs and request regular updates regarding changes in price.
- Please share updates from vendors and suppliers regarding the impact of tariffs with Procurements and Construction Contracts to allow procurement staff to track and monitor the situation. Please submit that information with the relevant team [email protected] or [email protected].
More Information on Reciprocal Tariffs:
On July 31, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order to implement country-specific tariffs originally announced in April. The implementation of these tariffs had been delayed allowing countries to negotiate trade deals. Tariffs range from a baseline rate of 10% up to 50% depending on the country. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States sets out the tariff rates and categories for merchandise imported into the US. Helpful resources for tracking current country tariff rates include:
More Information on Commodity-Specific Tariffs: Tariffs have also been imposed on specific commodities in addition to the country-specific tariffs. These tariffs will typically be stacked on to the individual country rates.
- Aluminum – 25%
- Automobiles & Parts – 25%
- Beer – 25%
- Copper – 50%
- Lumber – 14.5%
- Steel – 25%
Removal of De Minimis Tariff Exemption: An Executive Order suspended the $800 de minimis exemption for low-value imports. Starting August 27, these imports will be subject to tariffs based on country of origin and value.
Legal Challenges: There are multiple cases challenging imposition of the tariffs on legal grounds, including a case currently on appeal with the US Appeals Court for the Federal Circuit. Court orders have been issued to allow tariffs to remain in effect while the cases are on appeal.
The Procurement and Construction Contract teams will be providing additional guidance and information in September.
If you have questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you
Procurement, Contracts & Materials Management (PCMM)