US Counters China with Tariffs on Low-Value Imports
Published Date: 4/14/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is updating tariffs on low-value imports from China because China hit American goods with a 34% tariff starting April 10, 2025. This means some small shipments from China will now cost more to bring into the U.S., starting May 2, 2025. These changes affect businesses and shoppers who buy or sell goods between the two countries and aim to keep trade fair and balanced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Big Tariff Hike on Low-Value China Goods
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule entry for certain low-value imports from the People’s Republic of China is changed from a 34% duty to an 84% duty, effective for goods entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025. This means many imports covered by HTSUS heading 9903.01.63 will face an 84% ad valorem tariff starting April 9, 2025.
End of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment May 2, 2025
Duty-free de minimis treatment for certain articles described in Executive Order 14195 is no longer available beginning at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, 2025. Small shipments that previously entered duty-free under that de minimis rule will lose that duty-free status starting May 2, 2025.
De Minimis Ad Valorem Rate Raised to 90%
The ad valorem rate of duty referenced in section 2(c)(i) of Executive Order 14256 is increased from 30 percent to 90 percent. This raises the percentage duty applied to qualifying low-value imports to 90 percent.
Postal-Item Duty Increases for Small Packages
Per-postal-item duties on goods are increased: for items entered on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, 2025 and before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2025 the duty rises from $25 to $75 per postal item; for items entered on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2025 the duty rises from $50 to $150 per postal item. These changes apply to postal items containing goods and take effect on the stated dates.
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