US Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Goods: Rates, Exclusions & Impact on Sellers
Updated 2026-08-03
US Section 301 tariffs impose additional duties of 7.5% to 25% (and up to 100% on certain products like EVs) on imports from China, on top of standard customs duties. These tariffs apply to approximately $370 billion worth of Chinese goods across four lists. E-commerce sellers sourcing from China must factor these tariffs into pricing, or consider sourcing from alternative countries.
Primary sources
This page is grounded in the primary materials below. Rules change, so open the source and confirm the current version before acting.
FAQ
What products are affected by Section 301 tariffs?+
Section 301 tariffs cover a wide range of products across four lists: List 1 ($34B, 25% tariff on industrial goods), List 2 ($16B, 25% on technology products), List 3 ($200B, 25% on consumer goods), and List 4A ($120B, 7.5% on consumer electronics and clothing). Certain products like EVs face tariffs up to 100%.
Are there any product exclusions available?+
The USTR has granted and then expired various exclusions over time. Some exclusions for COVID-related products, certain industrial inputs, and specific consumer goods have been granted temporarily. Check the USTR exclusion portal for current active exclusions. Exclusions are product-specific and time-limited.
How do Section 301 tariffs affect my landed cost?+
Section 301 tariffs significantly increase landed cost. For example, a product with a 5% standard duty plus 25% Section 301 tariff has a 30% total duty rate. On a $10 FOB product, that's $3 in duties alone, plus customs processing fees (typically 0.3464% of value). This can dramatically impact margins for low-cost consumer goods.
Can I avoid Section 301 tariffs by shipping from another country?+
Simply transshipping through another country to avoid tariffs is illegal and considered customs fraud. However, genuinely sourcing or manufacturing products outside of China is a legitimate strategy. The product must undergo substantial transformation in a third country to change its country of origin. Consult a customs attorney for complex supply chain decisions.
Do Section 301 tariffs apply to de minimis shipments?+
Shipments valued under $800 (de minimis threshold) are generally exempt from duties, including Section 301 tariffs, when shipped directly to individual consumers. However, the de minimis exemption has been under scrutiny, and there have been legislative efforts to exclude certain countries or product categories from de minimis treatment.
How often do Section 301 tariff rates change?+
Section 301 tariff rates have changed multiple times since 2018, typically through USTR announcements in the Federal Register. Rate changes can occur based on trade negotiations, policy shifts, or statutory reviews. Sellers should monitor the USTR website and Federal Register for updates, and work with customs brokers who track tariff changes.
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