US Tariffs on Imports from China
China Import Tariff Overview
China faces the heaviest US tariff burden of any country even after the SCOTUS ruling. While the IEEPA reciprocal tariff was struck down, Section 301 tariffs of 25-100% remain in full force under separate legal authority, and a 10% Section 122 tariff replaces the old IEEPA rate. Combined effective rates still reach 60-110% on many product categories.
The US-China trade relationship remains the most tariff-impacted bilateral relationship in the world. Section 301 tariffs, first imposed in 2018, cover approximately $370B of Chinese imports across four tranches (Lists 1-4). The SCOTUS ruling removed the IEEPA reciprocal tariff but left Section 301 intact. There is no free trade agreement. China remains the US's third-largest goods supplier despite years of tariff escalation driving supply chain diversification.
Key Products Imported from China
Top imports include electronics and semiconductors, machinery, consumer goods (toys, furniture, housewares), apparel and textiles, footwear, auto parts, chemicals, plastics, and solar panels. China dominates US imports in categories such as laptops, smartphones, furniture, and toys, though market share has declined in recent years.
Recent Changes
Feb 20, 2026: SCOTUS struck down IEEPA tariffs — China's old 20% IEEPA rate removed. Section 122 tariff of 10% applies (effective Feb 24, expires ~July 24, 2026). Section 301 tariffs UNCHANGED: 25-30% on Lists 1-4, plus 100% on EVs, 50% on solar panels, 50% on semiconductors, 25% on EV batteries. De minimis exemption for Chinese shipments remains eliminated. Fentanyl-related tariffs remain at 10%.
Tips for Importers
The SCOTUS ruling provides modest relief for Chinese imports (IEEPA rate removed, replaced by 10% Section 122), but Section 301 tariffs remain the dominant cost driver. Tariff engineering is critical — review HTS classifications carefully, as small product modifications can shift items between Section 301 lists with dramatically different rates. The China+1 strategy remains essential. With all countries now at a uniform 10% Section 122 rate, Vietnam, India, and Mexico are more cost-competitive than ever versus China. For e-commerce, de minimis elimination means all Chinese shipments require formal entry.
Rates by Product Sector
| Sector | Base Rate | Surcharge | Effective Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | +25% | 25% | Section 301 List 1-3 (REMAINS) |
| Clothing & Apparel | 16.5% | +7.5% | 24% | Section 301 List 4A (REMAINS) |
| Footwear | 12.5% | +25% | 37.5% | — |
| Automobiles & Parts | 2.5% | +25% | 27.5% | EVs 100% (Section 301) |
| Steel & Aluminum | 0% | +50% | 50% | Section 232 50% (doubled June 2025). Copper 50%. |
| Food & Agriculture | 5% | +25% | 30% | — |
| Furniture | 0% | +25% | 25% | Section 301 + Section 232 lumber 10% |
| Machinery & Equipment | 2.5% | +25% | 27.5% | — |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0% | +25% | 25% | Section 301. 100% on patented pharma |
| Toys & Games | 0% | +7.5% | 7.5% | Section 301 List 4A |
| Energy & Batteries | 0% | +50% | 50% | Solar 50%, EV batteries 25% (Section 301) |
| Textiles & Fabrics | 9% | +7.5% | 16.5% | — |
| Chemicals | 3% | +25% | 28% | — |
| Plastics & Rubber | 4% | +25% | 29% | — |
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