In the never-ending soap opera that is global trade, a new plot twist arrived last week with President Trump’s announcement of fresh tariffs. On April 2, 2025, the U.S. unwrapped a brand-new blanket tariff: a 10% surcharge on most imports starting April 5, with country-specific tariffs kicking in like an overzealous customs inspector starting April 9.
Naturally, the art world clutched its pearls. Would your Warhol now require a second mortgage just to make it through customs? Would your Murakami face the guillotine of government surcharges?
Deep breaths—because, as of now, the answer is: no.
At present, and with the caveat that the winds of trade can shift faster than a gallery’s exhibition schedule, art is not subject to the 10% blanket tariff. That’s right—your paintings, prints, and sculptures are still free to fly across borders (mostly) unbothered.
Why, you ask? It turns out that art, glorious art, is legally considered a form of speech, expression, and information—which gives it some very special immunity under U.S. law. As Marian Maneker of Artelligence aptly noted in his newsletter (read with a bourbon in hand, no doubt), the president lacks the authority to regulate “informational materials” under the emergency tariff rules. And yes, that includes your precious Picassos.
If you’re the type who enjoys fine print as much as fine art, behold: buried in paragraph b(3) of §1702 (Presidential Authorities) is this little gem: “The importation from any country… of any information or informational materials… including but not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.” Translation: your art is safe…. For now.
But Wait—What Exactly Qualifies?
Convelio, the ever-stylish shipping experts, added some clarity in their Thursday missive:
- Artworks classified under Chapter 97 of the HTS (that’s paintings, prints, sculptures, and the like)
- Books and photographs classified under Chapter 49
That said, not everything on a plinth is in the clear. Antiquities and fancy furniture (sorry, Louis XIV chairs) may still be fair game for the tariff troopers.
We’ve been in touch with customs agents and logistics partners on both sides of the Atlantic, and the consensus echoes what’s above: artworks are currently gliding through without added duties. So, whether your masterpiece is coming from Tokyo or Madrid, it’s not being stopped at the US border—yet.
A Word of Caution (Because We’re Not Totally Reckless)
As of today, April 7, 2025, this is our best understanding. But, as Maneker warned, don’t get too cozy with your tariff-free shipping dreams. Things can change. Fast. And unpredictably. Like a Basel gallerist deciding to sell a piece from the back room to someone else while you were “thinking about it.” So yes, it’s chaos. But at least it’s manageable chaos—for now.
If you’re thinking of acquiring something beautiful (and who isn’t?), give us a shout. We’re happy to navigate the murky waters of tariffs and transport with you.
After all, while the world is unpredictable, art remains a very reliable joy.
