Clothing from China: 36.5% US Tariff (2026)

China remains the world's largest clothing exporter to the United States, but tariffs significantly impact landed costs. As of August 2026, clothing imports from China face a total effective rate of approximately 36.5%.

The tariff structure breaks down as follows: a 16.5% average MFN (Most Favored Nation) base rate applies to most garments under HTS chapters 61-62. On top of this, China-specific Section 301 tariffs add 7.5% (List 4A), and the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff (which replaced the 10% Section 122 rate when it expired July 24, 2026 — China is in the 12.5% tier) brings the total to approximately 36.5%.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, Chinese clothing faced even higher rates — the IEEPA reciprocal tariff was 20% (10% reciprocal + 10% fentanyl surcharge), making the old total closer to 44%. The SCOTUS ruling reduced the base from 20% to 10%, saving importers roughly 10 percentage points.

Rates vary by specific garment type and material. Cotton knit shirts (HTS 6109) may face slightly different rates than synthetic woven jackets (HTS 6202). Silk garments generally carry higher MFN rates (up to 20%), while some cotton basics may be lower. Always verify the exact HTS classification for your specific products.

For importers looking to reduce costs, Vietnam (29% total), Bangladesh (26.5%), and India (26.5%) offer lower total rates since they are not subject to the additional China-specific Section 301 tariffs. Mexico offers 0% for USMCA-qualifying goods — the best available rate. However, China's manufacturing infrastructure, speed, and quality control often justify the tariff premium for many apparel categories.

The 10% Section 122 tariff expired July 24, 2026 at its 150-day limit and was replaced the same day by the two-tier Section 301 forced-labor tariff — China is in the 12.5% tier. In August 2026, 25 states sued at the Court of International Trade to block the forced-labor tariff, but CBP continues collecting it while the case proceeds. Importers should monitor both the litigation and legislative developments and consider pre-purchasing strategies.