Spotlight on: Jay Cho, Aprio’s Customs and Tariffs Director

While international trade encourages economic growth, it also comes with the complexities of customs and tariffs. Each country has its own rules and regulations and taxes on imported goods that prompt a lot of paperwork and could impose delays for businesses. Varying customs processes, documentation, product pricing, trade barriers, and the fluctuating economic landscape are just some of the complexities surrounding global trade. Navigating these complexities requires an advisor with in-depth knowledge of trade agreements and specialized expertise in customs and tariffs to help ensure compliance.

Jay Cho is the Director of Aprio’s Customs and Tariffs Services Team. Keep reading for more information about Jay’s background, experience, and specialization in international customs and tariffs.

What types of clients do you work with? 

I serve both international and domestic organizations across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, machinery, distribution, life sciences, automative, aerospace, e-commerce, and consumer products. I work with C-level executives, tax directors, and procurement/purchasing managers of companies that engage in international trade. These companies typically source tangible goods from overseas. 

What is your specialty and expertise?

I specialize in helping multinational companies better navigate U.S. import and export complexities, designing duty-saving strategies, and providing compliance risk management. I also offer guidance on many different customs enforcement matters, including customs inquiries, verification requests, audits, investigations, and penalty cases. 

Can you share with us an example of a client you helped with Aprio’s Customs & Tariffs services? What was the result?

I began my career as an international trade attorney. Working at a boutique law firm, I assisted multinational clients in navigating intricate customs matters, including enforcement, penalties, and litigation. Over time, I realized that my true passion is  in gaining a deeper understanding of the business operations of multinational companies and offering proactive advice. This led me to focus on import/export consulting, including supply chain planning, risk mitigation, customs compliance, export controls, and customs duty savings. I have served 46 clients – mostly international clients (and many of them are involved in manufacturing in the US).

The most recent one is I helped an importer obtain approval from CBP headquarters for a specific manufacturing duty drawback program ─ one of the hardest to obtain ─ which allowed them to recoup over $2 million in annual duties. I also helped a small shoe importer obtain preferential duty rates for their imported products under the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), saving over $600,000 in duties during the MTB period.

Where should business owners contact you to learn more about our Customs and Tariffs services and how we can help them?

Click here to learn more about customs and tariffs and schedule a free consultation with me and my team! We are here to guide you through the U.S. international trade laws and regulations.

Related Resources

International Tax – Customs and Tariffs Services Page