Current Baseline Tariff: 145%
Established April 9, 2025 (Trump Administration)
Timeline of 2025 Baseline Escalation
| Measure | Effective Date | Rate Change | Cumulative Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Baseline Tariff | Feb 1, 2025 | 10% | 10% |
| Additional Tariff | Mar 4, 2025 | +10% | 20% |
| Surcharge Applied | Apr 2, 2025 | +34% | 54% |
| Retaliation Response Hike | Apr 9, 2025 | +91% | **145%** |
As of April 9, 2025, a 145% baseline tariff applies to the customs value of *most* goods imported from China. This significantly increases the landed cost for importers. For example, an item valued at $100 would incur a $145 tariff upon import, before other fees or potential sector-specific rates.
Sector-Specific Tariffs
Beyond the baseline, specific tariffs target certain industries by applying extra tariffs on top of the baseline tariff.
Clean Energy & Technology Additions Various Dates (Biden Administration, 2021-2024)
Targeted increases focused on strategic sectors to bolster domestic production and address national security concerns.
| Sector / Product | Tariff Rate Implemented |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles (EVs) | 100% |
| Solar Wafers / Cells | 50% |
| Lithium-ion Batteries (EV & Non-EV) | 25% |
| Certain Critical Minerals | 25% |
| Semiconductors | 25% |
These rates were significant additions during the Biden term.
Maintained Tariffs (e.g., Section 232) Ongoing (Maintained by Biden Admin, Status under Trump Admin may vary)
Tariffs on certain goods, such as specific steel and aluminum products (originally imposed under Section 232), were largely maintained through the Biden administration.
| Product Category | Maintained Rate (Example) |
|---|---|
| Certain Steel Products | 25% |
| Certain Aluminum Products | 10% / 25% (Varies) |
These pre-existing tariffs remained in effect. Their interaction with the new 145% baseline requires specific clarification.
Section 301 Tariffs & Exclusions Ongoing Review & Evolution
Tariffs imposed under Section 301 (addressing intellectual property and technology transfer issues) have undergone reviews and adjustments, including limited exclusions granted during the Biden administration. The overall impact of the 145% baseline on these specific lists is a key area of current policy.
The specific goods covered by Section 301 tariffs and any active exclusions continue to be subject to official updates.
Import Rule Changes: De Minimis Exemption
Effective May-June 2025 (Trump Administration)
A major change in import regulations occurred in mid-2025 with the elimination of the "de minimis" value exemption specifically for goods shipped from China. This rule previously allowed shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. tariff-free.
Elimination and New Fee Structure May 2 & June 1, 2025 (Trump Administration)
This action aimed to close perceived loopholes for tariff avoidance on low-value direct shipments and ensure duties are collected.
| Action | Effective Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| De Minimis Removal (China) | May 2, 2025 | Exemption eliminated for China imports. |
| New Parcel Fee (Phase 1) | May 2, 2025 | Flat fee of $100 per parcel + 145% tariff. |
| Parcel Fee Increase (Phase 2) | June 1, 2025 | Flat fee increases to $200 per parcel + 145% tariff. |
Effective May 2, 2025, all parcels from China, regardless of value, are subject to the standard 145% tariff plus a $100 flat fee. This fee increases to $200 on June 1, 2025. This dramatically increases the cost of low-value direct-to-consumer imports.