Tariffs are already here. And if you export to the U.S., you may already be very familiar with this. But, like many, you may still not be completely clear on it: How exactly do they work? Who pays them? How are they paid? And what can you do, as a Latin American entrepreneur, to avoid falling behind? -

At Marco, we know these topics often seem complex, but we also know that the difference between falling behind and moving forward can lie in understanding and acting on time. That’s why here we explain clearly and directly how tariffs are handled in the U.S. today, and above all, how you can turn them into an opportunity to grow.

Who pays the tariffs in the U.S.?

The payment of tariffs does not fall directly on the Latin American exporter… at least not on paper. The legal party responsible for payment is the importer of record in the U.S., also known as the Importer of Record.

Now, that importer can be:

• Your U.S. customer, if you only sell from LATAM.

• Or you yourself, if you already have a legal entity (LLC) in the U.S. and directly manage the import.

And that’s where the key lies. Because if you control the import, you also control the costs, compliance, and tax strategy.

How is the tariff calculated and paid?

The process is more technical than complicated. Here’s a step-by-step summary:

1. Product classification
   Each item receives a tariff code (HTS), which determines whether it pays a tariff or not.
     - If the product qualifies under USMCA, it may be exempt.
   - If it does not qualify, tariffs are applied and today can reach 25 % in key sectors.
   
   

2. Customs declaration
   The importer, or their customs broker, files the official entry with CBP (U.S. customs).
   
   

3. Tariff payment
   The tariff is paid directly to CBP. It can be paid via:
   
   

   • ACH transfer, from a U.S. account.

   • Customs broker account, which advances the payment and then bills the importer.
     
     

4. Release
   The product is not released until the tariff is paid. Plain and simple.
   
   

What are the most agile entrepreneurs doing today?

While some keep waiting to “see what happens,” the companies that are moving are already making key decisions:

• They form an LLC in the U.S. to control the import, avoid intermediaries, and optimize taxes.

• They access financing or factoring to cover tariffs without affecting cash flow.

• They open USD accounts, which allows them to pay tariffs without exchange-rate losses and receive payments faster.

•  They adjust their logistics strategy to comply with USMCA rules of origin and eliminate the tariff.

• They evaluate buyers better and insure their cargo, reducing risks amid a new commercial reality.
  
  

Marco: the partner that helps you move forward while others slow down

At Marco, we don’t give you speeches: we give you concrete solutions to act now, not tomorrow. If you’re facing tariffs or want to avoid them altogether, here’s what we can do for you:

1. Factoring and Financing

Advance your invoices and cover the impact of tariffs without draining your capital. From USD 20,000 to USD 30 million.

2. LLC Formation in the U.S.

Set up your local company and become a U.S. seller. 100 % online, no paperwork or travel.

3. Global Dollar Account

Receive payments in the U.S. with no hidden fees. Pay your tariffs from a USD account without losing out on exchange rates.

4. Tax and Accounting Compliance

We handle everything: EIN, BOI, Registered Agent. Stay compliant without errors or fines.

5. Buyer Screening and Cargo Insurance

Export with confidence, knowing your operation is protected.

Schedule with us to start exporting to the U.S. NOW!

Every day you wait, your competition gains ground and your customers look for other options. Tariffs won’t go away on their own, but you can get ahead of them.

At Marco, we remove the barriers so you can expand without worries.

📲 Schedule a call with our team. Start operating as a U.S. company and turn the tariff challenge into a strategic advantage.