In 2026, importers bringing goods from China into the United States want clear information. What tariffs will apply to these shipments? Which tariffs apply? Most importantly, how can importers calculate these tariffs to avoid surprises when the goods arrive?
There is not one tariff rate for all goods. The final cost depends on the product’s HTS Codes, where it comes from, and which trade measures apply. Basic duties, Section 301 duties, Section 232 duties, and other import charges each have their own rules. To calculate duties correctly, importers need to know how these requirements apply to their goods.
Recent changes to the de minimis exemption, Section 301 tariffs, and Section 232 rules have made importing from China more complicated. Even small mistakes in HTS classification or country of origin can cause incorrect quotes, unexpected tariff costs, or customs delays. When more than one tariff measure applies to a shipment, just adding the rates may not give the right answer. Importers should check the relevant tariff rules and understand how these measures work together.
This guide explains how tariffs on goods imported from China to the United States work in practice. It covers the main tariff rules for 2026 and explains step by step how to calculate the duties that apply.
Types of U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Goods
If you import goods from China to the United States, you will likely face more than one cost. The total amount can include different duties and import fees, depending on the product and which trade rules apply.
- MFN Base Duty – The standard customs duty listed under the product’s HTS classification.
- Section 301 Tariff: Extra duties that apply to certain products from China under Section 301. The rate depends on the specific HTS code and any applicable exclusions or changes.
- Section 232 Tariff: Extra duties that may apply to certain steel, aluminum, copper, and related products. The rate depends on the product and the current Section 232 rules.
- Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD): These are extra duties that may apply to certain products when U.S. trade-remedy orders are in effect. They are separate from regular customs duties and can significantly increase total import costs.
- MPF, HMF, and Other Import Fees: Depending on the shipment and entry type, importers may also need to pay Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF), Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF), and other customs or port-related charges.
The main thing to remember is that U.S. import costs are not always based on just one tariff rate. Several duties and fees can apply to the same shipment, and each has its own rules for determining taxable value and whether it applies with another fee. This is why simply adding tariff percentages or using one standard rate for every shipment from China can lead to incorrect landed-cost calculations.
What Changed in U.S. Tariff Policy on Chinese Goods in 2026?
In 2026, U.S. tariff and customs rules for goods from China continue to change. Importers should focus on a few key areas. The De Minimis exemption has changed significantly, so low-value shipments can no longer rely on the old duty-free limit to reduce import costs. Online sellers and small importers must check and review shipping methods and total costs before quoting customers.
Section 301 tariffs still depend on each product’s specific HTS code. There is no single Section 301 rate for all Chinese goods. Section 232 rules also apply to some steel, aluminum, copper, and related products. If your goods contain these materials, check the product’s composition, metal content, and origin. Changing packaging, relabeling, or shipping through another country does not automatically change the country of origin. You must review origin rules to confirm if a real change has occurred.
Because of these changes, getting tariffs right and preparing customs paperwork is as important as finding a good shipping price. Hongocean helps importers check product details, HTS codes, country-of-origin info, and tariff rules before goods leave China. If Section 301, Section 232, or other duties apply, Hongocean can estimate import costs ahead of time so businesses can give customers more accurate price quotes.
If your company often ships goods from China to the U.S., Hongocean can handle international freight, customs clearance, shipping paperwork, and door-to-door delivery. For products with complicated tariffs or rules, importers should work with a qualified U.S. customs broker or trade lawyer when needed. The aim is not to avoid required duties but to cut extra costs from wrong HTS codes, missing paperwork, or tariff mistakes.
U.S. Tariff Rates by Product Category
| Product Category | Tariff Structure | What Importers Should Check |
|---|---|---|
| General Goods | MFN duty + applicable Section 301 duty | Common products such as furniture, household goods, daily-use products, small appliances, and textiles can have different HTS duty rates. Confirm the exact HTS code and whether the product is covered by Section 301 or an exclusion. |
| Steel, Aluminum & Copper | MFN duty + applicable Section 232 duty + other applicable measures | Check whether the product is covered by Section 232, its metal content, HTS classification, and country of origin. For covered products, the metal portion may be subject to a separate Section 232 calculation. |
| Auto Parts & Machinery | MFN duty + Section 301 and/or Section 232 + possible AD/CVD | Automotive parts, machinery, and components can fall under several tariff programs. Confirm the exact HTS classification and check whether an AD/CVD order or Section 232 measure applies before quoting the shipment. |
| Electronics & IT Products | HTS-specific duty treatment + applicable additional tariffs | Some information technology products covered by the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) may have a 0% MFN duty rate. However, ITA treatment does not automatically remove Section 301 or other applicable duties. |
| Food & Agricultural Products | MFN duty + product-specific duties and regulatory requirements | Duty rates can vary by product, ingredients, processing method, and HTS classification. Importers should also check FDA, USDA, labeling, and other applicable entry requirements. |
| Cosmetics | MFN duty + applicable additional tariffs | Check the product’s HTS classification, ingredients, country of origin, labeling, and applicable FDA requirements. The tariff rate should be determined from the specific product classification rather than the general term “cosmetics.” |
| Medical Devices | MFN duty + applicable additional tariffs and regulatory requirements | Confirm the HTS classification and check FDA requirements, product registration or listing where applicable, labeling, and other entry requirements. Some products may have duty-free treatment under their specific HTS provision. |
| Products Subject to Trade Remedies | MFN duty + applicable Section 301/232 + AD/CVD or other measures | AD/CVD is product- and country-specific. Importers should check the applicable U.S. trade-remedy order rather than assume that a standard tariff rate covers the entire import cost. |
How to Calculate U.S. Import Tariffs Correctly
Figuring out U.S. import duties can be more complicated than just multiplying the customs value by a single tariff rate. For goods from China, you may face several different duties on the same shipment, depending on the product’s HTS code, origin, and applicable trade rules.
1. Standard Tariff Calculation Formula
Start by finding the customs value of the goods you are importing.
Here’s a basic way to calculate it:
Basic Customs Duty = Customs Value × MFN Duty Rate
For example, if your shipment’s customs value is $50,000 and the MFN duty rate is 5%, you would calculate:
$50,000 × 5% = $2,500
In this case, you would owe $2,500 in basic customs duty, not counting any extra tariffs or import fees.
But the MFN rate is just the beginning. You need to check the product’s HTS code to find the exact duty rate. The USITC keeps the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and CBP handles the legal side of tariff classification and customs rules.
2. How Multiple Tariffs Apply
For products coming from China, your total import cost might include several types of duties:
MFN Duty + Section 301 Duty + Section 232 Duty + AD/CVD, where applicable
Not every product will have all these duties. Each type has its own rules for when and how it applies.
For example, assume a $50,000 shipment has:
- MFN duty: 5%
- Section 301: 25%
- Section 232: 25%
- AD/CVD: not applicable
Here’s a simple example:
| Duty | Rate | Calculation | Amount |
| MFN duty | 5% | $50,000 × 5% | $2,500 |
| Section 301 | 25% | $50,000 × 25% | $12,500 |
| Section 232 | 25% | $50,000 × 25%* | $12,500 |
Total duties | 55% | — | $27,500 |
Illustrative total: $27,500 in duties.
This example assumes the same $50,000 value is subject to each duty for simplicity. Actual Section 232 calculations can depend on the covered product and, under applicable rules, the value of the covered metal content rather than simply applying the rate to the entire shipment value.
Section 301 rates vary by product. To check if your product is covered and what extra duty applies, you need to look up the right HTS code using the USTR’s Section 301 tool.
Section 232 duties also depend on the product. As of 2026, these tariffs can range from 10% to 50%, depending on what you’re importing.
AD/CVD duties are different. They only apply if there is a specific antidumping or countervailing duty order for your product and its country of origin. Always check these separately, rather than assuming they apply to all China imports.
3. Common Calculation Mistakes
A common mistake is to calculate only the basic MFN duty.
For example, you might see a 5% MFN rate, calculate $2,500 on a $50,000 shipment, and use that number in a quote. But if the product also has a 25% Section 301 duty, the real duty cost will be much higher.
Another mistake is thinking every product from China has the same Section 301 rate. In fact, Section 301 duties depend on the specific HTS code, and the rates can change from one product to another.
Importers can also overlook Section 232, AD/CVD, or other applicable import charges. This is particularly important for products containing covered metals or products subject to trade-remedy orders.
The best way is to start with the HTS code and work outward when calculating duties:
HTS Classification → MFN Rate → Section 301 → Section 232 → AD/CVD → Other Applicable Fees → Total Import Cost
This method helps you see the real landed cost before your shipment leaves China.
What Support Can Hongocean Provide?
Importers need to know the tariff rules, but the real challenge is applying the right tariffs to each shipment. Hongocean works with businesses to review possible tariff costs before goods leave China. This helps shipments avoid unexpected issues when they arrive in the United States.
Hongocean supports customs clearance with tariff pre-checks, duty calculations, HTS code reviews, paperwork help, compliance planning, and support during inspections or clearance issues. By checking shipment details ahead of time, importers can catch potential tariff or paperwork issues before they cause costly delays.
If your shipment is affected by Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD, or other U.S. import rules, Hongocean can help gather the needed information and estimate import costs. The aim is not to avoid required duties, but to help businesses plan for costs, prepare all paperwork, avoid delays, and keep landed costs predictable.
