Here’s an up‑to‑date category‑wise overview of U.S. tariffs on goods imported from China — essential for e‑commerce sellers who source products from China and sell them in the U.S. market.
Important: U.S. tariffs on imports from China combine standard customs duty rates plus additional tariffs (like Section 301 and other trade actions). These rates vary widely by product category and can be quite complex; the figures below reflect typical effective tariffs for 2025 based on multiple trade sources. Congress.gov+2haiinternationalholding.com+2
📊 Category‑Wise Tariff Rates on Chinese Imports (2025)
| Product Category | Typical U.S. Tariff Range on Chinese Imports | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | ~20%‑25% | Includes many electronics products; key items like phones & computers have specific treatment (some exclusions exist). Congress.gov+1 |
| Computer & Communication Equipment | ~45%‑62% | Covers components such as monitors, parts, and comm equipment. Congress.gov |
| Lithium‑Ion Batteries & Related Tech | Up to ~180% | Some battery products face very high effective tariffs due to stacking of different duties. Congress.gov |
| Apparel & Textiles | ~25% | Clothing, fabrics, footwear often face higher tariff layers. haiinternationalholding.com |
| Machinery & Equipment | ~20% | Industrial machinery, tools and equipment. haiinternationalholding.com |
| Furniture & Household Goods | ~10%‑25% | Includes home furniture and décor. haiinternationalholding.com |
| Automotive Parts | ~25% | Car components and aftermarket parts. haiinternationalholding.com |
| Toys & Sporting Goods | ~25%‑30% | Many consumer products for kids and leisure goods. USAboycott.ca |
| Basic Plastic Products | ~30% | Plastic items and related consumer goods. USAboycott.ca |
| Steel & Metal Products | ~25% | Steel, metal goods, metal furniture parts. China Inspection Service |
| Low‑Value Shipments (De Minimis) | ~30%‑54% or flat fee | Small parcels from China no longer duty‑free under new policy; duties apply even to low‑value goods. Reddit |
📌 Key Tariff Types That Affect These Categories
🔹 Standard Customs Duty
This is the base duty applied per the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) — often a low single or double‑digit percentage depending on the item. haiinternationalholding.com
🔹 Section 301 Tariffs
Since the U.S.–China trade dispute began, many product lines face additional tariffs of up to 25% or more. These are layered on top of the standard duty. Congress.gov
🔹 Reciprocal / Emergency Tariffs
Recent trade policy (2025) introduced additional ad‑valorem duties (e.g., ~10% baseline or higher) that can significantly raise the effective tariff on many categories. PwC
🔹 De Minimis & Parcel‑Specific Duties
Low‑value imported parcels (which previously could enter duty‑free under $800) now often face tariffs such as ~30% via courier or ~54% via postal routes, or a flat per‑parcel fee. Reddit
🧠 What This Means for E‑Commerce Sellers
- Electronics & tech goods — high tariffs can significantly increase landed cost. Verify specific HTS codes to see if exclusions (like certain smartphone exemptions) apply. Reuters
- Apparel & consumer goods — generally higher tariffs; careful cost planning is essential. haiinternationalholding.com
- Low‑value parcels — even small e‑commerce shipments are no longer duty‑free; include this in pricing and customs cost planning. Reddit
- Stacked duties — multiple categories of tariffs can apply to the same product, pushing effective duties well above single‑rate estimates.
🧾 Tips for Accurate Duty Planning
- Use the correct HTS Code (10‑digit) — small classification differences can change duty rates dramatically.
- Verify current USTR lists — tariff schedules are updated with new trade policies or exclusions.
- Include all duty types in landed cost — base duty + Section 301 + reciprocal/emergency tariffs + handling fees.
- Check if your product qualifies for special exclusions — some electronics have received specific exemptions. Reuters
📌 Summary
| Category | Typical Effective Tariff on Chinese Imports |
|---|---|
| Electronics | ~20%‑25% (some exclusions) |
| Computer Components | ~45%‑62% |
| Batteries & High‑Tech | Up to ~180% |
| Apparel/Textiles | ~25% |
| Furniture | ~10%‑25% |
| Auto Parts | ~25% |
| Toys & Consumer Goods | ~25%‑30% |
| Metals/Steel | ~25% |
| Low‑Value Parcels | ~30%‑54% or per‑parcel fee |
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Tariff rates, trade policies, and import regulations are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on specific product classifications, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, and U.S. government regulations.
E-commerce sellers and importers are strongly advised to consult a licensed customs broker, tax professional, or legal advisor for guidance specific to their products and business circumstances. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.