CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
Policies & IssuesApr 21, 2020
Tariffs Suspended for 90 Days on Some Imports
Meant to help businesses impacted by coronavirus, the 90-day delay will not extend to Chinese goods or steel and aluminum imports.
The United States is suspending tariffs on select goods for 90 days as businesses struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Washington—In light of the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is suspending tariff payments on certain imported goods, but the measure fell short of what some were expecting.
The payment delay does not extend to tariffs on goods from China or steel and aluminum imports.
Diamonds, pearls, precious stones, synthetic precious stones and silver jewelry were on the list of products imported from China that are subject to tariffs as of August 2019.
RELATED CONTENT: How Tariffs Will Impact The Jewelry IndustryIn a joint statement Saturday, the U.S. Treasury Department and Customs and Border Protection announced that some companies will be allowed to delay tariff payments for 90 days on certain goods imported in March and April.
To qualify for the delay, U.S. importers will need to “demonstrate a significant financial hardship” and have fully or partially suspended operations in March or April as a result of “orders from a competent governmental authority limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings.”
The importer needs to show that gross receipts are less than 60 percent what they were in the same period of 2019.
“By postponing the deadline to deposit certain duties, taxes, and fees for 90 days, we are providing much-needed relief to affected businesses,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a press release announcing the delay.
Matthew Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation, said in a press release the deferral was “welcome news” to retailers during a difficult time, providing some with additional liquidity and better cash flow.
Shay added the administration should “broaden these deferrals for additional relief,” describing the challenges faced by the retail industry as “severely acute, at best.”
Some have called for a suspension of tariffs on Chinese imports, stating it could be a way to not only ease the burden on businesses, but also to combat the coronavirus by easing the medical equipment shortage.
In a press release April 9, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nationwide campaign against tariffs, said the deferral of tariff duties would be “one of the most efficient actions” the Trump administration could take to help businesses survive.
The release highlighted sentiments from Mary Lovely, a professor of economics at Syracuse University and a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, who outlined why suspending the remaining tariffs on Chinese imports could help to combat the virus.
In an opinion piece for CNN, Lovely notes that although President Trump signed
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a “phase one” agreement with China, there are still high tariffs on $350 billion in U.S. imports, which began taking a toll on American manufacturers and farmers months before the country was dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
She cited a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research that showed affected manufacturers paid estimated tariffs of about $1,600 per worker per year, funds she said could instead be directed to worker assistance and health and hygiene needs.
She said tariff rollbacks would also ease U.S.-China trade tensions and suggested that suspending tariffs may lead China to remove its retaliatory tariffs on agricultural exports.
“With Americans facing the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 containment, and the deep recession that is expected to follow, it is time for President Trump to end a harmful policy that has outlived any usefulness,” Lovely wrote.
Some officials expressed concern about easing the current trade policies at a time when many businesses can’t afford to vie for business with international competitors.
In a tweet, Michael Wessel, a commissioner on the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission, said: “A lot of import-sensitive domestic industries—glassware, textiles & apparel, light trucks—will face new pressures from foreign competitors, just as they are seeking to try and stay alive. Is forgiveness next?”
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg that the measure was “a way of helping out certain industries,” but was not indicative of a change to the president’s trade policies.
For more information about the tariff delay and other measures, visit the Treasury Department’s website.
She cited a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research that showed affected manufacturers paid estimated tariffs of about $1,600 per worker per year, funds she said could instead be directed to worker assistance and health and hygiene needs.
She said tariff rollbacks would also ease U.S.-China trade tensions and suggested that suspending tariffs may lead China to remove its retaliatory tariffs on agricultural exports.
“With Americans facing the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 containment, and the deep recession that is expected to follow, it is time for President Trump to end a harmful policy that has outlived any usefulness,” Lovely wrote.
Some officials expressed concern about easing the current trade policies at a time when many businesses can’t afford to vie for business with international competitors.
In a tweet, Michael Wessel, a commissioner on the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission, said: “A lot of import-sensitive domestic industries—glassware, textiles & apparel, light trucks—will face new pressures from foreign competitors, just as they are seeking to try and stay alive. Is forgiveness next?”
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg that the measure was “a way of helping out certain industries,” but was not indicative of a change to the president’s trade policies.
For more information about the tariff delay and other measures, visit the Treasury Department’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
