Clive A. Burden LTD. Rare Maps, Antique Atlases, Books and Decorative Prints

TRUMP TARIFFS

For the benefit of our US clients printed books, maps, prints, and artwork are EXEMPT from Reciprocal Tariffs under Chapter 99 Secondary Classification: 9903.01.31, as informational materials. The Act that introduced tariffs in April 2025 (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act – or IEEPA for short – specifically section 50 U.S.C. §1702(b)) includes clear exemptions for “cultural” and informational materials”. That includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, limited editions, and certain books and prints. US lawmakers have historically recognized them as forms of protected speech under the First Amendment. It is a deliberate mechanism to uphold the United States’ broader commitments to free expression and cultural exchange.

 The Act specifically describes informational material as “publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact discs, CD Roms, artworks, and news wire feeds”. 

This year we celebrate our 60th anniversary with extensive experience as dealers in rare maps, original early maps, antique atlases, topographical, and decorative prints dating from the fifteenth century onwards. Our stock covers the world but has a special emphasis on rare maps of the British Isles and North America. The latter includes Philip Burden’s two-volume publication of the “The Mapping of North America listing all known printed maps up to 1700.”