List of US Tariffs on Chinese Goods

Introduction

The economic relationship between the United States and China represents one of the most consequential trade partnerships in global commerce. Since 2018, this relationship has been fundamentally reshaped by an unprecedented wave of tariffs that has transformed how American businesses source products, price goods, and manage supply chains. What began as targeted trade actions has evolved into a complex, multi-layered tariff structure affecting hundreds of billions of dollars in trade.

US tariffs on Chinese goods remain a critical concern for businesses of all sizes, from small importers to multinational corporations, as well as consumers who ultimately bear many of the costs. These tariffs have rippled through virtually every sector of the American economy, influencing decisions about manufacturing locations, product pricing, and long-term business strategy. Understanding the current tariff landscape is no longer optional for companies engaged in international trade—it's essential for survival and competitiveness.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of current tariff rates, affected product categories, the evolution of US-China tariff policy since 2018, industry-specific impacts, and authoritative resources where businesses can access official tariff schedules. Whether you're a seasoned trade professional or new to importing from China, this article will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex regulatory environment.

What Are the Current US Tariffs on Chinese Products?

The foundation of US tariffs on Chinese goods rests on Section 301 tariffs imposed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following investigations into China's trade practices, intellectual property policies, and technology transfer requirements. These tariffs were designed to address what US officials characterized as unfair and discriminatory practices that harm American businesses and workers.

The Section 301 tariff structure consists of four main tranches, often referred to as "Lists," each targeting different categories of Chinese imports:

• List 1: Imposed a 25% tariff on approximately $34 billion worth of Chinese goods, effective July 6, 2018. This list primarily targeted industrial machinery, electronics, and aerospace products.
• List 2: Added a 25% tariff on an additional $16 billion in Chinese imports, effective August 23, 2018. This tranche expanded coverage to semiconductors, chemicals, plastics, and motorcycles.
• List 3: Initially imposed a 10% tariff on roughly $200 billion in Chinese goods starting September 24, 2018. This rate was later increased to 25% in May 2019, covering a vast array of consumer products, furniture, lighting, and industrial components.
• List 4A and 4B: Implemented tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 15% on approximately $120 billion in consumer goods beginning September 1, 2019. This final tranche captured many products that had previously been spared, including smartphones, laptops, toys, clothing, and footwear.

As of October 2025, the tariff landscape has become significantly more complex. The average US tariff on Chinese goods has escalated dramatically in recent months, with additional reciprocal tariffs and sectoral duties layered on top of the original Section 301 tariffs. Many Chinese imports now face cumulative tariffs that stack standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates with Section 301 tariffs, reciprocal tariffs, and in some cases, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum.

It's important to note that the USTR has periodically granted exclusions for specific products, providing temporary relief from Section 301 tariffs. Some exclusions have been extended multiple times, creating uncertainty for importers about long-term planning. Additionally, importers should be aware that goods determined to have been transshipped through third countries to evade tariffs may face substantially higher penalty rates.

Which Categories of Chinese Goods Face the Highest Tariffs?

The tariff burden on Chinese imports varies significantly by product category, with certain sectors facing particularly steep duties due to strategic, economic, or national security concerns.

Technology & Electronics

The technology sector has been a primary target of US tariff actions, with many products facing 25% Section 301 tariffs. This category includes:

• Semiconductors and integrated circuits
• Telecommunications equipment and components
• Computer parts and accessories
• Electronic connectors and circuit boards
• Industrial robots and automation equipment

The rationale for high-tech tariffs stems from concerns about intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and China's strategic initiatives like "Made in China 2025," which aims to dominate advanced manufacturing sectors.

Machinery & Industrial Equipment

Industrial machinery represents another heavily tariffed category, typically facing 25% duties under Lists 1 and 2:

• Machine tools and manufacturing equipment
• Electric motors and generators
• Pumps and compressors
• Industrial valves and actuators
• Construction and mining machinery

Steel & Aluminum Products

Steel and aluminum products from China face a particularly complex tariff structure. Under Section 232 tariffs (imposed for national security reasons), these products face:

• 25% tariff on steel imports
• 10% tariff on aluminum imports (increased to 25% in early 2025)

These Section 232 tariffs can stack with Section 301 tariffs and reciprocal tariffs, creating cumulative rates that can exceed 50% or more on certain steel and aluminum products.

Consumer Goods

Consumer products face varying tariff rates depending on the specific List they fall under:

• Apparel and textiles: 7.5%–25% (List 4A/4B products)
• Footwear: 7.5%–25% depending on material and construction
• Toys and games: 7.5%–25% (List 4A products)
• Furniture: 25% (List 3 products)
• Home goods and décor: 7.5%–25% depending on classification

These consumer-focused tariffs have direct implications for retail pricing and profit margins, as retailers must decide whether to absorb costs or pass them to consumers.

Medical Devices & Chemicals

Select pharmaceutical intermediates, laboratory equipment, and medical devices face Section 301 tariffs, though this category has seen more exclusions than others due to public health considerations:

• Medical diagnostic equipment: varies by HS code
• Pharmaceutical active ingredients: excluded products vary
• Laboratory instruments and supplies: 7.5%–25%
• Surgical instruments: varies by specific classification

The targeting of specific sectors reflects US trade policy objectives: addressing intellectual property concerns in technology, protecting critical industries like steel production, and leveraging economic pressure across a broad range of consumer goods to achieve trade concessions from China.

How Have US Tariff Policies on China Changed Since 2018?

The evolution of US-China tariff policy represents one of the most dramatic shifts in American trade strategy in decades, with developments unfolding across multiple administrations.

2018: The Trade War Begins

The Trump administration launched a Section 301 investigation in August 2017, concluding that China's practices related to intellectual property, technology transfer, and innovation were "unreasonable or discriminatory" and burdened US commerce. This investigation became the legal foundation for tariff actions.

In July 2018, the first wave of tariffs took effect, marking the beginning of what would become known as the US-China trade war. Tariffs escalated rapidly throughout 2018, with each successive List expanding the scope of affected products. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on American goods, particularly agricultural products, creating a tit-for-tat escalation.

2019: Escalation and Phase One

Tariff rates continued to increase in 2019, with the List 3 tariff jumping from 10% to 25% in May. By September 2019, List 4A and 4B tariffs brought consumer electronics and other finished goods into the tariff regime, directly affecting American consumers for the first time at scale.

The Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement was signed in January 2020, representing the first major de-escalation. While the agreement didn't eliminate existing tariffs, it prevented scheduled increases and established Chinese purchase commitments for US goods. Some exclusion processes were introduced, providing targeted relief for specific products where no domestic alternatives existed or where tariffs created significant supply chain disruptions.

2020–2021: Pandemic Complications

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented supply chain challenges, leading to temporary extensions of some tariff exclusions to ease pressure on critical medical supplies and other essential goods. However, the core tariff structure remained intact. The pandemic also accelerated conversations about supply chain resilience and reducing dependence on Chinese manufacturing.

2022–2023: Biden Administration Continuity

The Biden administration maintained most Trump-era Section 301 tariffs, signaling bipartisan consensus that pressure on China should continue, albeit with different diplomatic approaches. The administration conducted a comprehensive review of the tariff exclusion process and reinstated certain exclusions while allowing others to lapse.

During this period, the focus shifted somewhat from tariffs as the primary tool to complementary policies like the CHIPS Act (incentivizing domestic semiconductor production) and infrastructure investments aimed at strengthening American competitiveness.

2024–2025: New Escalations

Following a four-year statutory review of Section 301 tariffs, the USTR announced additional tariff increases effective in late 2024 and early 2025, targeting strategic sectors including semiconductors, electric vehicle components, batteries, critical minerals, solar panels, and medical products.

The return of the Trump administration in January 2025 brought dramatic new developments. Broad-based reciprocal tariffs were implemented, adding additional percentage points across nearly all Chinese imports. By May 2025, the average tariff rate on Chinese goods had climbed significantly, with some analysts calculating effective rates exceeding 50% when all applicable tariffs are stacked.

Most recently, in October 2025, threats of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods have been announced, potentially taking effect in November 2025, representing the most aggressive tariff posture yet. This demonstrates that far from winding down, the tariff regime continues to intensify.

Throughout these developments, there has been notable bipartisan support for maintaining economic pressure on China, though the specific mechanisms and diplomatic strategies differ between administrations. The tariff structure has evolved from a temporary negotiating tactic into what appears to be a durable feature of US-China economic relations.

Which Industries Are Most Impacted by the US Tariffs?

While tariffs on Chinese goods affect the entire US economy to some degree, certain industries have experienced particularly significant disruptions.

Manufacturing

American manufacturers have faced a complex set of challenges from China tariffs. Companies that rely on Chinese-made components, raw materials, or intermediate goods have seen costs increase substantially, with 25% tariffs on machinery parts and industrial components directly affecting profit margins.

Many manufacturers have responded by pursuing reshoring (bringing production back to the United States) or nearshoring (relocating to countries like Mexico, Vietnam, or other Southeast Asian nations). However, these supply chain adjustments require significant capital investment and time. In the interim, manufacturers have had to choose between absorbing increased costs, passing them to customers, or applying for tariff exclusions.

Small and medium-sized manufacturers often lack the resources to quickly pivot supply chains or absorb substantial cost increases, making them particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts.

Retail & E-commerce

The retail sector has been heavily impacted, especially retailers dependent on Chinese-manufactured consumer goods like electronics, apparel, home goods, furniture, and toys. With many consumer products now facing tariffs between 7.5% and 25%, retailers have faced difficult decisions about pricing strategies.

Major retailers have employed various strategies: negotiating with suppliers to share tariff costs, finding alternative sourcing countries, reformulating products to change tariff classifications, and in many cases, raising prices for consumers. E-commerce platforms, particularly those facilitating direct-to-consumer sales from China, have experienced significant disruption as tariffs erode the price advantages that made such platforms attractive.

The retail industry has also had to invest heavily in tariff classification expertise and customs compliance, as misclassification of products can result in penalties on top of the already-high tariff burden.

Agriculture

While American farmers don't directly pay tariffs on Chinese goods, they have been significantly impacted by retaliatory Chinese tariffs on US agricultural exports. China imposed substantial tariffs on American soybeans, pork, corn, wheat, and other farm products, causing US agricultural exports to China to plummet.

The US government responded with multiple rounds of farmer subsidies—officially called Market Facilitation Payments—totaling tens of billions of dollars to offset lost export revenue. However, these payments couldn't fully compensate for lost market access, and US farmers ceded market share to Brazilian, Argentinian, and other competitors, potentially creating lasting damage to export relationships.

The Phase One trade deal included Chinese commitments to purchase US agricultural products, but fulfillment has been inconsistent, leaving the agricultural sector in continued uncertainty.

Technology

The technology sector faces both direct tariff impacts and broader supply chain challenges. Many consumer electronics—smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles—were initially spared from tariffs but eventually faced duties under List 4A. High-tech components like semiconductors, circuit boards, and electronic components faced 25% tariffs from early in the trade conflict.

Technology companies have responded by diversifying manufacturing locations, with significant production shifting to Vietnam, India, and other countries. Apple, for example, has accelerated manufacturing expansion in India for iPhones. However, China's dominant position in electronics manufacturing and its ecosystem of specialized suppliers makes complete decoupling extremely difficult and expensive.

The semiconductor industry faces particular complexity, as both finished chips and manufacturing equipment are subject to tariffs, while separate export controls restrict sales of advanced chip technology to China.

Automotive

The automotive industry faces tariffs on auto parts and components imported from China, affecting both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket parts sector. With modern vehicles containing thousands of components, even seemingly small tariff percentages can accumulate to significant cost increases per vehicle.

The electric vehicle (EV) supply chain has been particularly affected, as China dominates production of lithium-ion batteries, battery components, rare earth magnets for motors, and many other critical EV technologies. Tariffs on these components increase the cost of American-made EVs, potentially slowing the transition to electric transportation.

Some automotive manufacturers have successfully obtained tariff exclusions for specific parts where no domestic or alternative source exists, but the exclusion process is time-consuming and temporary, creating planning uncertainty.

Real-World Examples

Several companies illustrate different approaches to managing tariff challenges:

• Furniture manufacturers like La-Z-Boy and others have relocated significant production to Vietnam, Mexico, and other countries, though this transition required years and substantial capital investment.
• Yeti Coolers moved manufacturing from China to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, successfully maintaining quality while avoiding tariffs.
• Tariff engineering has become common, where companies slightly modify products to change their Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification to a lower-tariff category. This practice remains legal but controversial.
• Many small businesses have simply absorbed tariff costs to maintain relationships with customers, significantly reducing profit margins or even operating at losses while seeking long-term solutions.

Where Can Businesses Find the Official Tariff Schedule for Chinese Imports?

Navigating the complex landscape of tariffs on Chinese goods requires accessing authoritative, up-to-date information from official government sources. Here are the essential resources every importer should know:

United States Trade Representative (USTR)

The USTR is the primary agency responsible for Section 301 tariffs and publishes official tariff lists, exclusion announcements, and policy updates.

• Website: ustr.gov
• Section 301 Resources: Navigate to "Enforcement" → "Section 301 Investigations" → "Tariff Actions" for comprehensive information on all four tariff Lists
• Exclusion Process: The USTR periodically opens comment periods for tariff exclusion requests and publishes granted exclusions in the Federal Register

The USTR website provides Federal Register notices, fact sheets explaining policy rationale, and detailed product lists organized by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes.

US International Trade Commission (USITC)

The USITC maintains the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) database, which is essential for determining exact tariff rates for specific products.

• Website: hts.usitc.gov
• Function: Search for products by keyword or browse by HTS chapter to find tariff classifications and rates
• Updates: The HTS is updated regularly to reflect new tariff actions, trade agreements, and classification changes

Understanding HTS codes is fundamental to import compliance. The HTS uses a hierarchical system where:

• First 2 digits = Chapter (broad category)
• First 4 digits = Heading (narrower grouping)
• First 6 digits = Subheading (international standard)
• 8-10 digits = Full US tariff classification (most specific)

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP enforces tariff collection at ports of entry and provides practical guidance on compliance, classification, and payment procedures.

• Website: cbp.gov
• Resources: Import guidance, tariff classification rulings, duty calculation tools, and compliance bulletins
• Binding Rulings: Importers can request binding tariff classification rulings from CBP to gain certainty before importing goods

CBP also operates the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, where importers file entries and pay duties electronically.

Federal Register

The Federal Register publishes official notices of all tariff changes, public comment periods, and final rules.

• Website: federalregister.gov
• Search Strategy: Use keywords like "Section 301," "China tariffs," or "USTR" along with relevant product categories
• Legal Authority: Federal Register publications constitute official legal notice of policy changes

Step-by-Step Guide for Importers

How to Look Up an HS Code:

1. Identify your product's materials, function, and characteristics
2. Visit hts.usitc.gov and use the keyword search function
3. Browse relevant chapters to find the most specific classification
4. Note the 10-digit HTS code and associated tariff rates
5. Check if any Section 301 annotations appear for Chinese origin

How to Check for Tariff Exclusions:

1. Visit ustr.gov and navigate to Section 301 resources
2. Review the current list of granted exclusions (organized by HTS code)
3. Verify the exclusion's expiration date—many are temporary
4. Confirm your specific product matches the exclusion description exactly
5. Maintain documentation to prove eligibility if audited

How to File for Tariff Relief or Exclusion:

1. Monitor USTR announcements for new exclusion request periods (comment periods)
2. Prepare detailed documentation: product specifications, HTS codes, availability of alternatives, economic harm evidence
3. Submit requests through regulations.gov during open comment periods
4. Track your submission and respond to any agency questions
5. Be prepared for a process that can take months with no guarantee of approval

Professional Assistance

For complex import situations, consider consulting:

• Customs brokers: Licensed professionals who handle import paperwork, duty payment, and ensure compliance
• Trade attorneys: Specialists in customs law who can assist with classifications, disputes, and exclusion requests
• Trade consultants: Experts who analyze supply chains and recommend tariff-minimization strategies

Professional assistance is particularly valuable when importing high-value shipments, dealing with complex or ambiguous product classifications, or seeking tariff exclusions where significant financial stakes are involved.

FAQ Section

What is Section 301 and why was it used against China?

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the USTR to investigate foreign trade practices that are "unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory" and burden US commerce. It was invoked against China following an investigation that concluded Chinese practices regarding intellectual property, forced technology transfer, and innovation policies harmed American businesses. This legal authority provided the foundation for imposing billions of dollars in tariffs as a response mechanism.

Are all Chinese goods subject to tariffs?

No, not all Chinese goods face Section 301 tariffs, though the coverage is extremely broad. Some product categories were excluded from the original Lists, certain products have received specific exclusions from the USTR, and a few categories have been exempted for public health or other policy reasons. However, even products without Section 301 tariffs may still face regular Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates and potentially additional reciprocal or sectoral tariffs that have been implemented more recently.

How do I apply for a tariff exclusion?

Tariff exclusion applications are submitted during comment periods announced by the USTR and posted in the Federal Register. You must submit detailed information through regulations.gov, including specific HTS codes, product descriptions, evidence that no domestic alternative exists, and documentation of economic harm from the tariff. The USTR evaluates requests based on factors like availability of substitutes, impact on US interests, and importance to Chinese industrial programs. Exclusions are typically granted for limited periods (often one year) and may or may not be renewed.

Will US tariffs on China be removed soon?

Based on current policy trends, significant removal of China tariffs appears unlikely in the near term. There is bipartisan political support for maintaining economic pressure on China, though the specific approaches differ between parties. The tariff structure has evolved from a temporary negotiating tool into what appears to be a more permanent feature of US-China relations. Recent developments in 2025 show tariffs continuing to increase rather than decrease. Businesses should plan for tariffs to remain a long-term factor in China sourcing decisions.

How do tariffs affect consumer prices?

Tariffs function as a tax on imported goods, increasing the cost of products for the companies that import them. These companies then must decide whether to absorb the increased costs (reducing profit margins), pass them on to consumers through higher prices, or some combination of both. Academic studies of the 2018-2020 tariffs found that US consumers and businesses bore the majority of the tariff costs, with estimates suggesting 80-100% of tariff costs were passed through to domestic purchasers rather than being absorbed by Chinese exporters through lower prices. The impact varies by product category and competitive dynamics within each industry.

Conclusion

The landscape of US tariffs on Chinese goods has evolved into a complex, multi-layered system that shows no signs of simplification. What began in 2018 as targeted trade actions addressing specific concerns about intellectual property and technology transfer has expanded into one of the most comprehensive tariff regimes in modern American history. With average tariff rates on Chinese goods now exceeding 50% when various tariff layers are combined, the economic relationship between the world's two largest economies has been fundamentally transformed.

For businesses engaged in importing from China or competing with Chinese imports, understanding this tariff structure is no longer optional—it's essential for survival. The complexity of Section 301 tariffs, combined with additional reciprocal tariffs, sectoral duties, and potential future escalations, requires vigilant monitoring and proactive planning.

Staying informed about tariff updates, exclusion opportunities, and trade policy shifts must be an ongoing priority. The USTR, USITC, and CBP provide authoritative resources, but their websites and publications must be checked regularly as policies can change with limited notice. Companies should establish internal processes or engage customs brokers and trade attorneys to ensure compliance and optimize tariff strategies.

Supply chain diversification has become a strategic imperative for many businesses. While China remains a manufacturing powerhouse with unmatched capabilities in many sectors, the tariff environment has accelerated shifts to alternative sourcing countries. Vietnam, Mexico, India, and other nations have seen dramatic increases in manufacturing investment as companies seek to reduce China-related tariff exposure.

The US-China trade relationship continues to evolve in response to economic, political, and strategic considerations. Recent developments in 2025 demonstrate that tensions remain high and tariff escalation continues to be a policy tool both administrations have wielded. This makes ongoing monitoring essential for importers and exporters alike.

Businesses should use the official resources outlined in this guide—USTR for policy announcements, USITC for tariff classifications, CBP for compliance guidance, and the Federal Register for legal notices—to stay current on developments affecting their specific products and industries. Where tariff exposure is substantial, professional trade compliance support from customs brokers, trade attorneys, and supply chain consultants can provide crucial expertise and strategic guidance.

The era of stable, predictable US-China trade relations appears to be behind us. Companies that recognize tariffs as a permanent feature of this relationship and build compliance capabilities, supply chain flexibility, and strategic planning processes accordingly will be best positioned to thrive in this new environment.