E.O. 14259: China Tariff Amendment

Summary

Raises taxes on certain items coming from China because China raised taxes on U.S. goods in response to an earlier action.

What problem does this solve?

China raised taxes on goods from the United States after the U.S. put new taxes on Chinese goods. This order increases the U.S. taxes on Chinese goods even more to counter China's action and protect the U.S. economy.

Who does this affect?

Importers of Chinese goods
U.S. consumers
Businesses relying on Chinese imports

What does this order do?

Increases general tariff rate on Chinese goods

Raises the tax rate on certain goods from China from 34% to 84% to counter China's retaliatory tariffs.

Increases tariff rate on low-value imports

Raises the value-based tax rate on low-cost items imported from China from 30% to 90%.

Increases per-item postal duty in two steps

Raises the fee for each mailed package containing goods from China to $75 starting May 2, 2025, and then again to $150 starting June 1, 2025.

Authorizes government agencies to implement the order

Directs various government departments, including Commerce and Homeland Security, to take all necessary actions to put these new tariffs into effect.

What is the real world impact?

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Responds to Chinese trade actions

Increases tariffs on Chinese goods because China raised its own tariffs on U.S. products. This action is meant to make the original U.S. tariff more effective and counter the retaliation.

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May increase prices for consumers

Raising taxes on imported goods, especially low-cost items sent by mail, could mean that American shoppers pay more for products they buy from China.

When does this start?

This order outlines several tariff increases that take effect on different dates in 2025.

General tariff increase

On April 9, 2025, the main tariff rate on certain goods from China increases from 34% to 84%.

First increase on postal items

On May 2, 2025, the duty on each postal item containing goods from China increases to $75.

Second increase on postal items

On June 1, 2025, the duty on each postal item containing goods from China increases again to $150.