China Tariffs 2025: The Complete Guide for US Importers
If you import from China, your effective duty rate is almost certainly higher than you think. Between base HTS duties, Section 301 surcharges, Section 232 tariffs, and AD/CVD orders, the real cost of importing Chinese goods can exceed 100% of product value.
The Tariff Stack
US tariffs on Chinese imports aren't a single rate — they're a stack of overlapping programs, each adding to your total duty:
| Program | Rate | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Base HTS Duty | 0% – 37.5% | All imports (product-specific) |
| Section 301 (Lists 1-4) | 7.5% – 25% | ~$370B of Chinese goods |
| Section 301 (2024 Expansion) | 25% – 100% | EVs (100%), semiconductors (50%), steel/aluminum (25%), batteries (25%) |
| Section 232 | 25% – 50% | Steel (50%), aluminum (50%), copper (25%) |
| AD/CVD Orders | Varies (often 100%+) | Specific products under investigation |
Real-World Example: Steel Pipe
Let's look at HTS 7304.19.10 (seamless steel pipe) from China:
That's nearly double the product value. And this is for a product with a 0% base duty rate. Try this calculation yourself →
Which Products Are Hit Hardest?
The 2024 Section 301 expansion targeted strategic industries with the highest surcharges:
- Electric vehicles: 100% tariff (up from 25%)
- Semiconductors: 50% tariff (up from 25%)
- Solar cells: 50% tariff (up from 25%)
- Steel & aluminum: 25% Section 301 + 50% Section 232 = 75% combined
- Lithium-ion batteries: 25% tariff
- Critical minerals: 25% tariff (new in 2024)
- Ship-to-shore cranes: 25% tariff (new in 2024)
- Medical supplies: 25-50% tariff (syringes, PPE, gloves)
How to Minimize Your China Tariff Exposure
1. Verify your HTS classification
Many importers use an incorrect HTS code, often because their broker hasn't updated the classification since Section 301 lists were published. A 10-digit code difference can mean 25% more or less in duties. Search your HTS code →
2. Check Section 301 exclusions
Some products have active exclusions that temporarily remove the Section 301 surcharge. These expire and get renewed unpredictably — checking quarterly is the minimum.
3. Evaluate sourcing alternatives
Our duty comparison tool lets you compare the same product from China vs. Vietnam, India, Mexico, or other suppliers. In many cases, moving sourcing to a country with an FTA (like Mexico under USMCA) drops the effective duty to 0%.
4. Use FTAs where available
While China doesn't have an FTA with the US, your alternative suppliers might. Check eligibility with our FTA checker.
5. Set up tariff alerts
Rates change. New Section 301 lists get published, exclusions expire, Section 232 rates adjust. Set up tariff alerts on your key HTS codes so you know immediately when your costs change.
The Bottom Line
Importing from China in 2025 requires knowing exactly what you're paying. The tariff stack is complex, overlapping, and changes frequently. The difference between a well-classified import and a poorly-classified one can be tens of thousands of dollars per shipment.
Know your real cost before you ship
Search any HTS code, calculate landed costs, and compare duties across countries — all free.
Search tariff rates →