US Import Duties & Tariffs on Goods from China: What Importers Need to Know

Import duties and tariffs are a major cost factor when shipping from China to the United States. Understanding how duties work — and choosing DDP shipping where duties are included — helps importers avoid surprise bills and plan accurate landed costs.

How US Import Duties Work

When goods enter the United States, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assesses duties based on:

• HS Code (Harmonized System) — product classification determines the base duty rate
• Country of origin — goods from China may face additional tariffs
• Declared value — duties calculated on the customs value of goods
• Section 301 tariffs — additional duties on many Chinese products (typically 7.5%–25%+)

Typical Duty Rates by Product Category

Rates vary widely — these are approximate ranges including Section 301 where applicable:

• Furniture: 0%–25%+ depending on material and construction
• Electronics: 0%–25%+ depending on product type
• Apparel & textiles: 10%–32%+ depending on fabric
• Toys: 0%–25%+
• Machinery & parts: 0%–25%+
• Auto parts: 2.5%–25%+

Exact rates depend on your specific HS code. GSC calculates duties as part of your DDP quote.

Why DDP Eliminates Duty Surprises

Under DDU terms, you pay duties separately upon arrival — often with unexpected amounts. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), GSC:

• Classifies your goods with the correct HS code
• Calculates estimated duties before shipping
• Includes duties in your all-inclusive quote
• Pays CBP on your behalf through licensed US customs brokers we work with
• Delivers to your door with no additional customs bills

How to Calculate Landed Cost

Landed cost = Product cost + Freight + Duties + Taxes + Delivery

With DDP, all of these are included in one GSC quote. Request a free quote with your product details (type, value, weight, CBM, destination) and we provide a complete landed cost within 24 hours.

Section 301 & Trade Policy

US–China trade policy continues to evolve. Section 301 tariffs affect most consumer and industrial goods from China. GSC monitors current rates and includes applicable tariffs in DDP quotes. For the latest tariff exclusions or product-specific rates, contact us with your HS code.

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) & Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

In addition to duties, CBP charges MPF (~0.3464% of value, min $31.67) and HMF (0.125% for sea shipments). These are included in GSC's DDP all-inclusive pricing.