5 customs & trade trends shaping 2025 and beyond — and how to stay ahead.

1. Tariff shifts and geopolitical pressure

From U.S. elections and shifting EU trade policies to ongoing geopolitical tension, tariff volatility is back in full force. Whether it’s renewed Trump-era tariffs, retaliatory duties, or fast-tracked trade deals — businesses can no longer afford to take tariff codes or duty rates for granted.

What to watch:

• Anti-dumping investigations
• UK-EU rules post-Brexit
• Changing origin rules under new trade deals
• Section 301 tariff changes (especially for goods from China)

Gaston Schul’s Advisory team provides proactive tariff monitoring, classification reviews, and strategic planning to ensure you don’t overpay — or fall out of compliance.

2. Automation and AI in customs

Governments are accelerating digitalisation in customs. From e-customs portals to AI-powered risk profiling, manual processes are being replaced with smarter, faster workflows.

But automation isn’t only for authorities — businesses are also embracing tools like EDI integrations, customs dashboards, and document automation to streamline declarations and reduce error.

What to watch:

• ICS2 requirements in the EU
• National single window systems
• Use of blockchain and AI in customs documentation

Our enhanced Customer Portal, smart integrations, and tailored automation services help clients gain real-time visibility, reduce admin burden, and minimise errors.

3. Green compliance & ESG requirements

Environmental accountability is now a trade issue. In 2025, expect tighter rules around carbon tracking, sustainable sourcing, and wasteful packaging.

The EU’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and growing ESG disclosure demands are pushing businesses to think about customs not just in terms of speed — but sustainability.

What to watch:

• Full CBAM rollout
• EUDR compliance
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance
• ESG reporting standards tied to customs processes

From helping classify ‘green’ goods correctly to advising on CBAM reporting, our experts support your ESG goals while keeping your business compliant.

4. Peak season pressure is the new normal

The days of “seasonal” congestion are over. Global logistics is facing near-constant disruption — from strikes and weather to capacity crunches and new regulatory changes.

2025’s peak season will once again challenge supply chain resilience, especially for businesses that don’t plan customs procedures in advance.

What to watch:

• Early holiday buying trends
• Asian export rush (esp. around Golden Week and Chinese New Year)
• Port congestion and customs staffing slowdowns

We guide clients with seasonal customs planning, document prep, and real-time advisory to prevent delays during high-pressure periods.

5. Talent shortages in trade & customs

With growing complexity comes growing demand for customs knowledge — but expertise is in short supply. Many companies are struggling to find or retain in-house customs specialists.

The result? Risk of compliance gaps, missed savings opportunities, and overreliance on reactive solutions.

What to watch:

• Retirements of senior customs experts
• Increased demand for trade compliance professionals
• Gaps in knowledge across decentralised supply chains

As a full-service customs partner, Gaston Schul acts as an extension of your team — filling customs knowledge gaps with access to our experienced advisors, up-to-date regulatory insight, and ongoing support.

Our customs experts help you stay ahead of the curve

At Gaston Schul, we don’t just file declarations. We help medium to large size businesses see customs as a strategic advantage — not a hurdle. Whether you need full operational support, regulatory guidance, or tech-led optimisation, we help you:

• Identify and fix customs gaps
• Stay compliant in a fast-changing environment
• Optimise duty spend and improve visibility
• Plan ahead for disruption and seasonality
• Scale customs operations with expert backing