June 2025 Global Tech Trade Compliance Update

Released On 3rd Jul 2025

Key changes, risks and action steps

As global trade dynamics shift and digital regulations evolve, June 2025 delivered several pivotal developments for tech companies navigating cross-border compliance. Here’s a clear breakdown of what changed, why it matters, and what you need to do going forward for successful trade compliance.

Why June 2025 Mattered for Tech Trade Compliance

From rare earths to digital taxes, and from autonomous EU regulation to looming tariffs, this past month highlighted how trade policy and compliance are diverging across key jurisdictions. Tech manufacturers and platforms need to stay agile, with updated classifications, supply chain contracts, and monitoring systems.

1. US-China Rare Earth Agreement: Semiconductors Get a Boost

Date: 25th to 27th June, 2025

What happened: The U.S. and China agreed to resume exports of rare-earth minerals under a new framework. These materials are critical for semiconductors and high-tech hardware.

Impact: Softens previous export restrictions but introduces fresh classification and licensing compliance requirements, especially for dual-use items.

Action Steps:

Review and update ECCNs for affected components
Assess licensing obligations for re-export/retransfer
Communicate with upstream suppliers on new documentation needs

2. Canada Repeals 3% Digital Services Tax

Date: 30th June, 2025

What happened: Canada formally rescinded its 3% DST aimed at large tech platforms, easing a major point of tension in U.S.-Canada trade talks.

Impact: Restores clarity for U.S. digital firms operating in Canada, but USTR scrutiny under Section 301 investigations remains possible.

Action Steps:

Remove DST from tax models and transfer pricing frameworks
Monitor ongoing USTR digital trade investigations
Update public disclosures or risk filings if DST was material

3. EU Asserts Digital Regulatory Autonomy

Date: 30th June, 2025

What happened: The EU stated it will exclude the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) from any trade negotiations with the U.S.

Impact: U.S. tech firms must comply independently with EU digital rules, regardless of tariffs or trade deals.

Action Steps:

Conduct internal audits for DMA/DSA readiness
Map obligations related to content governance, algorithmic transparency, and user data control
Engage local EU counsel for market-specific interpretation

4. US Trade Deal Uncertainty and Tariff Extensions

Deadline: 8th to 9th July, 2025

What happened: The U.S. extended its tariff moratorium with key partners, but high-stakes negotiations are still underway.

Impact: If deals aren’t reached, reciprocal tariffs up to 50% could be imposed – especially impacting tech hardware and components.

Action Steps:

Revisit HS code classifications and origin documentation
Model tariff impact scenarios for your SKUs
Update pricing strategies and revise supplier contracts

5. EU "Omnibus IV" Simplifies ESG & GDPR Reporting

What happened: The EU released new guidance streamlining compliance with GDPR, ESG standards, and critical sector reporting.

Impact: The new guidance simplifies reporting across GDPR, critical sectors, and environmental rules. But with broader trade regulation – such as U.S. Section 232 for semiconductors and critical minerals – continuing to evolve, the compliance landscape is becoming more layered for tech manufacturers, especially those dealing in high-tech hardware.

Action Steps:

Align internal controls across trade, ESG, and data teams
Leverage the simplified framework for automation and risk scoring
Update reporting cadence and board-level dashboards

Key takeaways for tech compliance teams

Regional divergence is accelerating: You can’t rely on one-size-fits-all compliance.
Tariff shocks are still possible: prepare ahead of July’s key trade deal deadlines.
Compliance is going layered: ESG, privacy, export control, and customs are converging fast.

Need help navigating tech trade compliance?

Mouse & Bear specialises in importer of record services and cross-border compliance for technical products. Whether you're facing export license reclassification, tariff uncertainty, or complex EU regulations, our global trade experts can help.

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