IEEPA, 232, and the New Tariff Playbook: Eric Hargraves Breaks Down What’s Next for U.S. Trade Policy

  Episode: #394 Hosts:  Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest: Eric Hargraves Director – Elliott Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hargraves-98a4572/ Firm: Elliott Davis — https://www.linkedin.com/company/elliott-davis-1920/ Published : November 20, 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Overview In this in-depth roundtable discussion, Andy and Lalo welcome back Eric Hargraves, a listener favorite and trade policy expert known for breaking down complex issues with clarity. This episode tackles one of the hottest topics in global trade: the future of tariffs, IEEPA, and how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. trade policy. Eric shares his early analysis of the recent Supreme Court oral arguments on the use of IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose broad, country-wide tariffs—an approach now under scrutiny. Together, they explore whether the U.S. is shifting away from country-of-origin-based tariffs toward sector-based or product-based tariff frameworks, and what that means for importers, exporters, and manufacturers. They also take a historical walk through Section 232 and 301, discuss China’s role in the global supply chain, unpack forced labor concerns, and examine how trade policy is being used not just as an economic tool—but a geopolitical one. If your business relies on global sourcing, supply chain planning, cost modeling, or tariff strategy, this is a must-listen episode that cuts through political noise and focuses on operational reality. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔍 1. The Supreme Court & IEEPA — What’s at Stake Why the Court is skeptical about using IEEPA for broad tariff actions Clarifying the difference between regulating importation and imposing de facto taxes What a ruling against IEEPA tariffs could trigger 🧭 2. The Pivot Toward Sectoral Tariffs Eric outlines an emerging pattern: More Section 232 investigations (steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, autos, medical devices, robotics) More code-specific exclusions and carve-outs More targeted vs. country-wide tariff strategies This gives trade professionals more predictability—and new compliance challenges. 🌏 3. How We Got Here: WTO, China, & Forced Labor The group revisits: Post-WWII tariff negotiations and asymmetrical concessions How China’s WTO accession reshaped global manufacturing Forced labor issues (UFLPA) and global ethical responsibilities Why bipartisan support exists for confronting unfair trade practices ⚙️ 4. Trade as a National Security Strategy Why 232 tariffs matter for: Defense industrial base Pharmaceuticals Critical minerals Rare earths Robotics and advanced manufacturing Andy and Eric also highlight how trade agreements with partners like Australia and Japan support de-risking supply chains. 📈 5. What Importers Should Do RIGHT NOW Eric provides three practical action steps: Map exposure & opportunities Understand current tariffs vs. new exemptions/exclusions Identify where sectoral shifts may affect your sourcing Prepare for legacy frameworks to shift USMCA review in 2026 New carve-outs in CAFTA-DR and other bilateral frameworks Don’t pivot your supply chain based on rumors Only respond to published Federal Register notices + CBP guidance Model landed cost scenarios now to act quickly later He also warns companies to anticipate supplier renegotiations if tariff burdens disappear—they may try to claw back FOB discounts. Resources Mentioned Section 301 tariffs Section 232 investigations UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) WTO, GATT, and historical tariff frameworks U.S. bilateral trade agreements and exemptions Federal Register notices CBP CSMS guidance 📢 Subscribe & Follow