WASHINGTON, D.C.
In a significant escalation of ongoing trade tensions, President Donald J. Trump issued a formal order today increasing tariffs on low-value imports from the People’s Republic of China, following retaliatory measures announced by Beijing earlier this month. The new actions, authorized under multiple federal statutes including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, come as part of a broader strategy to combat persistent U.S. trade deficits and foreign practices deemed harmful to American economic security.
Under the new directive titled “Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China,” ad valorem duties on certain Chinese goods will jump from 34% to 84%, effective April 9, 2025. This move follows China’s announcement on April 4, 2025, of a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, set to take effect April 10.
President Trump cited the need to uphold the efficacy of his April 2 executive order (Executive Order 14257) which declared a national emergency over “large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits.” The new tariffs will amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), targeting imports that previously benefited from de minimis duty-free thresholds.
Key Provisions of the Amendment:
• Tariff Hike: Section 9903.01.63 of the HTSUS will now reflect an 84% duty on affected imports, replacing the prior 34%.
• Postal Item Duties: The flat-rate duties on low-value parcels will also rise steeply:
• From $25 to $75 per item starting May 2, 2025
• Then up to $150 per item starting June 1, 2025
• De Minimis Imports: The ad valorem duty on low-value Chinese imports set in a previous order (Executive Order 14256) will increase from 30% to 90%, closing a common loophole in international e-commerce trade.
The President has directed the Secretaries of Commerce, Homeland Security, and other federal departments, including the U.S. Trade Representative, to swiftly implement the measures and revise any related federal regulations as necessary.
The White House emphasized that these actions are meant to protect national security and restore fair trade practices, while also warning of further escalations if China continues retaliatory policies.
As global markets react, analysts warn the new wave of tariffs could have ripple effects for both consumers and manufacturers, particularly in the e-commerce and logistics sectors.
