Section 301 China Tariffs: Complete Guide for Importers
Complete guide to Section 301 tariffs on China imports. Understand Lists 1-4, current rates (7.5%-25%), exemption processes, and USMCA mitigation strategies.
What Are Section 301 Tariffs?
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed on Chinese imports under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. These tariffs were enacted starting in 2018 to address China's unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer.
Unlike regular Most Favored Nation (MFN) duties, Section 301 tariffs are additional charges on top of existing tariffs. This means a product with a 5% MFN duty and 25% Section 301 tariff faces a total of 30% in import duties.
Current Section 301 Tariff Rates (2024-2025)
Section 301 tariffs are organized into four "Lists" based on when they were implemented:
| List | Products Affected | Tariff Rate |
| ------ | ------------------- | ------------- |
| List 1 | $34 billion (industrial machinery, aerospace) | 25% |
| List 2 | $16 billion (chemicals, plastics, motorcycles) | 25% |
| List 3 | $200 billion (furniture, electronics, apparel) | 25% |
| List 4A | $120 billion (consumer goods) | 7.5% |
Important: In 2024, the Biden administration announced increases on certain products including EVs (100%), semiconductors (50%), and medical equipment.
How to Check if Your Product is Affected
To determine if your imports face Section 301 tariffs:
Our platform automatically checks Section 301 exposure when you enter your product details.
USMCA: The Most Common Mitigation Strategy
Many companies eliminate Section 301 tariffs by restructuring their supply chain through USMCA:
The Strategy:
Example: An electronics company sources PCBs from China (25% Section 301). By assembling finished products in Mexico with 65%+ regional content, the finished product enters the US duty-free.
Annual savings potential: $50,000-$500,000+ depending on import volume.
Industries Most Affected by Section 301
Some industries face particularly high exposure:
Each industry has specific USMCA qualification paths.
Related Industry Guides
See how these tariff rules apply to specific industries:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a Section 301 tariff exemption?
The exclusion process has largely ended, but some product-specific exclusions remain. The more reliable strategy is USMCA qualification through Mexico/US manufacturing.
Q: Do Section 301 tariffs apply to goods assembled in China from US parts?
Yes, Section 301 applies based on country of origin. Even if using US-made components, if the product is substantially transformed in China, it faces Section 301 tariffs.
Q: How long will Section 301 tariffs last?
There is no set end date. While periodic reviews occur, importers should plan for Section 301 tariffs to continue for the foreseeable future.