SuanSupplyHow is the tariff on Chinese goods calculated?
The US tariff on a product from China is the customs value of the goods multiplied by every rate that applies to its HTS code, added together, plus customs processing fees. Canada works the same way with fewer layers, then charges GST or HST on the value plus duty.
The value is normally the price you paid the supplier. International freight is not included, which is why US and Canadian duty is close to an FOB value. Your customs broker or courier declares it on the entry.
US tariff layers on Chinese goods (October 2026)
| Layer | Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Normal duty (MFN) | Varies by HTS code | Always applies |
| Section 301, Lists 1 to 3 | 25% | In force since 2018 to 2019 |
| Section 301, List 4A | 7.5% | In force since 2020 |
| Section 301, four-year review | 25% to 100% | EVs, batteries, chips, solar cells, some medical goods; phased in 2024 to 2026 |
| Section 301, forced-labor action | 12.5% | New since July 24, 2026; goods under Section 232 are exempt |
| Section 232 | 10% to 50% | Steel, aluminum and copper 50%; autos, lumber, furniture and more; any country |
| IEEPA tariffs | Was 10% + 10% | Struck down February 20, 2026; importers of record can claim refunds |
| Merchandise processing fee (MPF) | 0.3464% | Minimum US$34.58, maximum US$670.86 from October 1, 2026; US$2.77 on informal entries |
| Harbor maintenance fee (HMF) | 0.125% | Sea freight only |
Rates as of October 6, 2026. Exclusions and new deals can change your rate: see our China tariff tracker for what changed recently.
Example: what does a $10,000 order from China pay?
An illustrative product with a 3.4% normal duty on Section 301 List 3, shipped by air: 3.4% + 25% + 12.5% = 40.9% duty, or $4,090, plus a $34.64 merchandise processing fee. That's $4,124.64 in total, or about $4.12 on each of 1,000 units. The same goods by sea also pay a $12.50 harbor maintenance fee. These are the calculator's default numbers, so you can change one input at a time to see what moves your total.
How do I find my HTS code and duty rate?
- Describe your product exactly: what it is, what it's made of and what it's used for.
- Search the official schedule (USITC HTS for the US, the CBSA Customs Tariff for Canada) and read the chapter notes.
- Use the 10-digit code's "General" rate (US) or "MFN" rate (Canada) as your normal duty.
- For the US, check whether the code is on a Section 301 list or under Section 232.
- Ask your supplier for the code they export under, and confirm with a customs broker before a large order. A wrong code is the most common reason duty estimates miss.
How much is duty on goods from China into Canada?
Canada has no across-the-board tariff on China. Chinese goods pay the MFN rate for their tariff item, plus a 25% surtax on some steel and aluminum products (50% for steel over the quota). The 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles was repealed on March 1, 2026. GST or HST is then charged on the value plus duty. Courier and postal shipments from China worth CA$20 or less come in free; the higher CA$40 and CA$150 limits only apply to goods from the US and Mexico.
How can you lower the tariff you pay?
- Classify correctly. A more precise HTS code can carry a lower rate, and some codes have active Section 301 exclusions (the current set runs to November 10, 2026).
- Don't undervalue. Declaring less than you paid is customs fraud and can lead to seizures and penalties, even when a supplier offers it.
- Check who is the importer of record. On "DDP" quotes the seller's agent imports for you. Make sure duty is really included and the declared value is true.
- Combine shipments. The MPF minimum is per entry, so several small formal entries cost more in fees than one larger one.
- Track refunds. If you paid IEEPA tariffs before February 2026 as importer of record, ask your broker about your refund claim.
See the whole cost per unit
Duty is one line. Our free landed cost calculator adds freight, broker and delivery fees, then shows your profit and break-even price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tariff on goods from China right now?
In the US, most Chinese goods pay the normal duty for their HTS code, plus a Section 301 tariff of 7.5% or 25% depending on the list, plus a 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff in force since July 24, 2026. Some products pay 25% to 100% under the four-year review, and steel, aluminum, copper and similar goods pay Section 232 instead of the 12.5%. The IEEPA tariffs were struck down on February 20, 2026.
How do I calculate the tariff on a product from China?
Find your product's 10-digit HTS code, then multiply the customs value (usually the price paid, close to FOB) by each rate that applies and add them up. Then add the merchandise processing fee, and the harbor maintenance fee if it ships by sea. This calculator does the adding for you.
Is there still duty-free shipping from China under $800?
No. The US de minimis exemption is suspended for every country, so even small parcels and samples need an entry and pay duty. A 2025 law also repeals it outright from July 1, 2027.
How much duty does Canada charge on goods from China?
Canada charges the normal MFN rate from its Customs Tariff, plus a surtax on some Chinese steel and aluminum products, then GST or HST on the value plus duty. Courier and postal shipments from China worth CA$20 or less enter free of duty and tax.
Is the tariff charged on the product price or including shipping?
The US and Canada both charge duty on the value of the goods, which normally leaves out the international freight. The UK, the EU and Mexico charge on the value plus freight and insurance (CIF).
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Estimates for planning, as of October 6, 2026, not legal or customs advice. Rates depend on your exact HTS code, origin and any exclusions, and they change often. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you order.