US Tariff on Clothing from China

China remains the world's largest clothing exporter to the United States, but tariffs significantly impact landed costs. As of March 2026, clothing imports from China face a total effective rate of approximately 34%.

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, Section 301 tariffs add 7.5% (List 4A), and the 10% Section 122 tariff (which replaced the IEEPA tariff struck down by SCOTUS on Feb 20, 2026) brings the total to approximately 34%.

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 (26.5% total), Bangladesh (26.5%), and India (26.5%) offer lower total rates since they are not subject to 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 Section 122 tariff expires approximately July 24, 2026 (150-day limit). If Congress does not extend it, the base rate component would drop, potentially reducing the total to around 24%. Importers should monitor legislative developments and consider pre-purchasing strategies.