What I understand, I'm not a native English language speaker, is that importers can avoid or refuse to pay the tariffs?

Is that correct?

If so, that of course would explain why prices haven't increased as much yet as widely expected.

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trumps-doj-puts-companies-on-notice-dont-evade-tariffs-080041295.html

 

Trump's DOJ puts companies on notice: Don't evade tariffs

 

The Justice Department is putting American companies on notice that they could be prosecuted if they chose to evade President Trump's tariffs, even as the legality of the president's "Liberation Day" duties remain unsettled in US courts.

 

<snip>

The new Trump administration instead wants to prioritize criminal charges against companies and individuals that try to evade US tariffs.

<snip>

“What is clear is that a lot of companies are looking for a way to limit the impact of the duties,” Shapiro said.

I guess importers are getting creative declaring 2500 USD laptops as 500 USD laptops. Shocking dishonesty.

Just now, Cameroni said:

I guess importers are getting creative declaring 2500 USD laptops as 500 USD laptops. Shocking dishonesty.

 

But if they declare the import at 500$, they will have an outgoing bill of 2500$, so 2000$ profit.
I guess income taxes are even higher than tariffs

19 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

But if they declare the import at 500$, they will have an outgoing bill of 2500$, so 2000$ profit.
I guess income taxes are even higher than tariffs

 

I think any company that declares fraudulent figures for the imported goods would also be willing to cheat on their tax returns.

 

A lot of customs declarations, and also tax returns are done by the "Honor System". But if you get busted, either because of red flags that trigger an audit, or someone tipping off the authorities, the penalties can be severe. 

I could tell you but why bother?  You already know that Trump is breaking laws with impunity and the US population is too busy staring at their iPhones to notice.  

 

Welcome to Stalin 2.0.  "The sun sets and the sun rises, all thanks to Trump."

2 minutes ago, TheAppletons said:

I could tell you but why bother?  You already know that Trump is breaking laws with impunity and the US population is too busy staring at their iPhones to notice.  

 

Welcome to Stalin 2.0.  "The sun sets and the sun rises, all thanks to Trump."

 

Yes you surely shouldn't bother, because it should be clear enough that the OP is not in defence of Trump and his tariffs

Companies can avoid duties by transshipping. 

 

 

1 hour ago, TheAppletons said:

I could tell you but why bother?  You already know that Trump is breaking laws with impunity and the US population is too busy staring at their iPhones to notice.  

 

Welcome to Stalin 2.0.  "The sun sets and the sun rises, all thanks to Trump."

 

Wow, totally unhinged rant. Nothing to do with the topic.

 

You should get yourself checked for rabies.