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The short version
- The Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods did not expire. On October 7, 2026, USTR published a Federal Register notice saying both 2018 Section 301 actions on China, as modified, "will remain in effect".
- Under US trade law these actions end after four years unless the industries that benefit ask to keep them. USTR received 86 requests for the July 2018 action and 76 for the August 2018 action, so neither ended.
- No rate changes. The 7.5% and 25% list tariffs stay as they are today.
- Next: USTR will run its second four-year review and "will publish a separate notice or notices describing the review process." That notice is not published yet.
What changed
The July 6, 2018 action "did not terminate on July 6, 2026, and will remain in effect, subject to possible further modifications." The August 23, 2018 action did not terminate on August 23, 2026 either. USTR says the review will look at how effective the tariffs have been, other possible actions, and their effects on the US economy, including consumers.
The notice is separate from the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff that started July 24, 2026. That one comes from a different 2026 investigation and is not affected.
What it means for your business
If you import from China, plan with today's duty stack. Nothing gets cheaper or more expensive because of this notice.
The review is where rates could change later, up or down, or by product. The last four-year review (finished in 2024) is what raised tariffs on EVs, batteries, semiconductors and solar cells. Treat any rate you see quoted for 2027 as unconfirmed until USTR publishes it.
Illustrative only: a $10,000 (FOB) order of a product with 3.4% normal duty on List 3 (25%) plus the 12.5% forced-labor tariff still pays 40.9%, or $4,090 in duty.
Who is affected
- Importers of Chinese goods covered by Section 301 Lists 1 to 4A, including Amazon sellers who are the importer of record.
- Direct-to-customer sellers shipping small parcels from China: with de minimis suspended, these parcels pay the full duty stack too.
- Not affected: goods that are not of Chinese origin, and Canadian imports (Canada does not apply US Section 301 tariffs).
What to do now
- Keep pricing with the current rates. Run your numbers in the landed cost calculator or work out your layers with the China tariff calculator.
- Watch for USTR's review notice. When it opens for comments, businesses can file one. We will add the dates to the China tariff tracker as soon as they are published.
- If a product's margin only works at a lower rate, do not count on the review. Compare suppliers in other countries or renegotiate on FOB terms.
Keep track of every change: Every US and Canadian tariff layer on Chinese goods, kept current.
Open the trackerPrice with every duty layer
Our Pricing and Landed Cost Calculator works out cost per unit, margin and break-even price with every duty layer included. No subscription, no account, your data stays on your device.
General information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Rules change often: check the official sources above or a licensed customs broker before you act. SuanSupply is not affiliated with any government agency or marketplace named here.