April 9th 2025 Update
The U.S. government has enacted sweeping changes to its tariff and trade enforcement policies, particularly affecting imports from China. These changes are aimed at countering economic threats, reducing trade deficits, and protecting national security.

U.S.-China Tariff Timeline (2025)

US Implementation of Reciprocal and Universal Tariffs

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing persistent trade deficits as a threat to U.S. economic stability. The administration announced a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods from every country, effective April 5, 2025.

In addition to the baseline tariff:

• Imports from countries with large trade deficits—especially China—are subject to a 34% reciprocal tariff.

• Pre-existing tariffs averaging ~60% on many Chinese goods remain in place from prior trade actions.

• On April 9, 2025 (PM), the administration added an additional 21% tariff, bringing the total cumulative duty on Chinese imports to 125%.

Total Tariff on Chinese Imports: 125%
(10% baseline + 34% reciprocal + ~60% legacy tariffs + 21% April increase)
📎 MarketWatch
📎 White House Statement
These tariffs will stay in effect until the President determines the economic emergency is resolved, with authority to increase or reduce them based on trade partner actions.

Termination of De Minimis (T86) for China & Hong Kong

In a separate Executive Order, President Trump ended the duty-free de minimis (T86) treatment for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, effective May 2, 2025.

Key changes:

• All goods valued ≤$800 from China/HK are now subject to full tariffs when shipped via private carriers.

• Postal shipments:

  • 30% or $25 per item (whichever is greater) until June 1, 2025

  • Increases to $50 per item starting June 2, 2025

• Carriers must report shipment data, hold an international bond, and ensure timely duty remittance.

📎 White House Source

Impact on Shipping and Logistics

Small Packages:

Due to the removal of T86, low-value shipments from China now lose their duty-free status. This has created significant challenges for e-commerce sellers and small parcel exporters who relied on the simplified process.

Key Changes:

• All packages are now taxable regardless of value

• Shipping costs are rising due to increased customs handling and clearance complexity

• Delivery times may be delayed due to new clearance requirements

• Carriers are adjusting operations and costs, and we expect more changes through May

Air & Ocean Freight:

• Base tariff: ~125%, varies by product

• Some exemptions apply: copper, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals

Recommendations for Importers

As policies are changing rapidly and frequently, we recommend the following:

• For Freight Forwarding (Ocean & Air):

  If your shipments are not urgent, consider waiting 1–2 weeks to observe how the policies evolve and stabilize.

  
  

• For Small Parcels:

  Since the new small parcel policy begins officially in May, we expect carriers to switch from T86 to the T01 clearance model.

  We are currently developing alternative solutions to help our clients reduce shipping costs and ensure smooth delivery during this transition.

  
  

• Declare the lowest reasonable customs value (not retail).

What’s the Difference Between T86 and T01?

Conclusion

These dramatic changes mark a new era of U.S. trade enforcement. Importers from China must:

• Proactively adjust procurement & logistics

• Stay alert to policy shifts

• Communicate with shipping partners

• Re-evaluate supplier portfolios

We will continue to monitor developments and share critical updates. Please contact us for personalized compliance and logistics support.