New Section 301 China Tariffs 2024-2026: What Importers Must Know Now

Over my 20 years sourcing from China, I've seen tariff changes rattle supply chains overnight. The Section 301 tariffs are evolving fast—with rates hitting 100% on EVs and syringes by 2026. If you import goods from China, missing these updates can erode your margins or land you in compliance trouble. Here's exactly what's changing and how to check if your products are affected.

Who decides on new tariffs in the US?

Let’s start with who is responsible for developing and promoting American trade policy. The relevant US agency is the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The USTR is in charge of announcing new trade laws. It can also issue announcements regarding tariffs after reviewing public feedback, etc.

Is my product subject to Section 301?

To find out if you have to pay China additional duties on products imported into the US, just look up the relevant HS code on the HTS website.

HTSUS tariff check

For example, look up cotton boys’ overcoats from China on the HTS website. The HS code is 6101.20.00.20.

The duty for cotton boys’ overcoats is 0%, 50%, or 15.9%. If we hover the mouse pointer over 1/, it shows us the HS code 9903.88.03.

If we look at HS code 9903.88.03, we can see that products from China are subject to an additional 25% tariff. Thus, the total tariff on cotton boys’ overcoats from China is 40.09%.

Product groups covered by new Section 301 tariff rates

New Section 301 Tariff Rates from September 27, 2024

Products groups from China that are covered by a new Section 301 tariff rate from September 27, 2024:

• Battery parts, non-lithium-ion batteries: 25% (an increase from 7.5%)
• Electric vehicles: 100% (an increase from 25%)
• Lithium-ion electrical vehicle batteries: 25% (an increase from 7.5%)
• Surgical and non-surgical respirators and facemasks (first increase): 25% (an increase from 7.5%)
• Syringes and needles (excluding enteral syringes): 100% (an increase from 0%)
• Ship-to-shore gantry cranes: 25% (an increase from 0%)
• Solar cells (whether or not assembled into modules): 50% (an increase from 25%)
• Steel and aluminum products: 25% (an increase from 0% or 7.5%)
• Various critical minerals: 25% (an increase from 0%)

New Section 301 Tariff Rates from January 1, 2025

Products groups from China that are covered by a new Section 301 tariff rate from January 1, 2025:

• Semiconductors: 50% (an increase from 25%)
• Rubber medical and surgical gloves (first increase): 50% (an increase from 7.5%)
• Disposable textile facemasks (first increase): 25% (an increase from 7.5%)

New Section 301 Tariff Rates from January 1, 2026

Products groups from China that are covered by a new Section 301 tariff rate from January 1, 2026:

• Disposable textile facemasks (second increase): 50% (an increase from 25%)
• Surgical and non-surgical respirators and facemasks (second increase): 50% (an increase from 25%)
• Enteral syringes (exempted in 2024 and 2025): 100% (an increase from 0%)
• Lithium-ion non-electrical vehicle batteries: 25% (an increase from 7.5%)
• Rubber medical and surgical gloves (second increase): 100% (an increase from 50%)
• Permanent magnets: 25% (an increase from 0%)
• Natural graphite: 25% (an increase from 0%)

More tariffs on products from China

There have been talks about new Section 301 tariff increases on processed tungsten, polysilicon, and wafers. The additional tariffs would be 25%, 50% and 50% respectively. However, until there is a USTR notice, there won’t be any new Section 301 tariffs.

Don't assume your product is exempt—tariff exclusions are narrow and often temporary. Before placing your next order, verify HS codes and duty rates with a trusted partner. China-Check's supplier verification and factory inspection services help you stay compliant while navigating these cost increases. Contact us to audit your supply chain against the latest tariff schedules.