Working Together Through New U.S. Tariff Changes: What Gorman & Smith Is Doing for Our American Customers

At Gorman & Smith, we understand that recent changes to U.S. import policies may cause uncertainty for many food and beverage manufacturers. Reliable access to high-quality tri-clamp fittings and sanitary equipment is critical to keeping your operations moving, and we're committed to helping you adapt smoothly.

As part of new regulations announced by the U.S. government (April 2025 Fact Sheet), shipments containing Chinese-origin goods will now be subject to tariffs, even if the shipment value is under $800. The traditional “de minimis” exemption will no longer apply to Chinese-made products entering the United States after May 2, 2025.

What is the De Minimis Exemption?

The "de minimis" exemption permits low-value shipments (valued under $800 USD) to enter the United States without incurring duties or tariffs. This has historically helped small shipments move quickly and affordably across borders. However, starting May 2, 2025, this exemption will no longer apply to goods originating from China or Hong Kong, meaning that all shipments containing Chinese-made products will now be subject to U.S. tariffs, regardless of their value.

Here’s what Gorman & Smith is doing to help American breweries, distilleries, and food and beverage manufacturers:

• Switching to UPS for U.S. Shipments: As of May 2nd, we will be using UPS for all U.S. orders. This allows us to electronically upload the correct commercial invoices, ensuring that tariffs are calculated based on the supplier cost of goods, not the retail price. By properly declaring the actual cost of tri-clamp fittings and food-grade equipment, we help minimize unnecessary duty charges for your business.

• U.S. Fulfillment Options Available: Many of our most popular products, including SuperKlean washdown equipment and Dixon tri-clamp fittings, are stocked and fulfilled directly from U.S. warehouses. Products shipped from these facilities are generally not affected by the new China-origin tariffs and can often be shipped faster and with more predictable costs.

• Warehouse and Supplier Grouping at Checkout: Our checkout system automatically groups products by supplier and warehouse, providing a clear view of how your order will be shipped. We encourage food and beverage manufacturers to group items from the same supplier when possible to minimize customs handling and reduce shipping costs.

• Optimizing Orders for Tri-Clamp Fittings and Sanitary Equipment: Placing larger orders from the same supplier and warehouse helps consolidate shipments, reduce shipping costs, and minimize the tariff burden. This approach is particularly helpful for breweries, distilleries, and food and beverage manufacturers planning routine maintenance or upcoming expansions.

• Competitive Pricing and Transparency: Despite these changes, we remain committed to offering competitive pricing on tri-clamp fittings and sanitary equipment for the food and beverage industry. Our transparent communication ensures you can plan your orders with confidence and avoid unexpected charges.

We have already incorporated these improvements into our website and shipping systems to ensure your experience is as seamless as possible. Most information about supplier grouping and shipping options is available at checkout. If you have questions about a specific order, we’re happy to help guide you.

Thank you for continuing to trust Gorman & Smith. We’re proud to support American breweries, distilleries, and food facilities with the same dedication and reliability we bring to our Canadian customers. As the landscape for importing food-grade stainless steel products evolves, we’re committed to standing by your side with practical solutions and transparent service.