Section 301 tariffs on China are additional US import duties that grew out of a 2017 investigation into China’s technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation practices. They started on July 6, 2018 with a 25% duty on about $34 billion of goods, expanded through 2019 to cover most Chinese imports, were raised on strategic products after a 2024 review, and were continued again in October 2026. Seeing the timeline explains why the duty on a Chinese-made charger looks the way it does today.
Key Takeaways
- Section 301 China tariffs began in July 2018 after a 2017 investigation.
- They expanded through four lists and were raised on strategic goods in 2024.
- Both 2018 actions were continued on October 7, 2026, with a new review ahead.
- A separate 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 action began July 24, 2026.
Section 301 on China: A Dated Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2017 | USTR opens the investigation into China’s technology transfer, IP and innovation practices. |
| April 6, 2018 | USTR finds the practices unreasonable or discriminatory and proposes a 25% duty on 1,333 tariff subheadings. |
| July 6, 2018 | List 1: 25% on 818 subheadings, about $34 billion of annual trade. |
| August 23, 2018 | List 2: 25% on 279 subheadings, about $16 billion. |
| September 2018 to 2020 | List 3 and List 4A extend duties to most remaining Chinese goods, with rates later settled at 25% and 7.5%. |
| September 2022 | The first four-year review: industry requests keep both actions in force. |
| May 14, 2024 | USTR publishes its four-year review report. |
| September 18, 2024 | Higher rates on strategic sectors, including 100% on electric vehicles, phased in from 2024 to 2026. |
| December 1, 2025 | 178 product exclusions extended through November 9, 2026. |
| May 6, 2026 | The second four-year review begins. |
| October 7, 2026 | USTR confirms the actions did not terminate and will remain in effect while a further review runs. |
Dates are from USTR’s May 2026 review notice, the September 2024 modification and the October 2026 continuation notice. The 2024 rate changes by product are covered in our separate rate guide.
Why Section 301 Keeps Coming Back
Section 301 actions end automatically after four years unless a domestic industry that benefits asks for them to continue. In 2026, USTR received 68 requests from producers and 18 from trade associations for the July 2018 action, and 57 and 19 for the August 2018 action. That is enough to keep both in place. The law then requires a broader review, which can lead to modifications. USTR has said it will publish a separate notice describing that process.
A second point surprises many buyers: a court ruling against one tariff does not touch the others. When the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs in February 2026, USTR stated that Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs remained in place.
Section 301 Beyond the 2018 Case
“Section 301” is a statute, not a single tariff. USTR has used it for other investigations, including a 2026 forced-labor action that put a 12.5% duty on most products of China from July 24, 2026. That layer is separate from the 2018 lists and has its own exemptions, including goods subject to Section 232. When someone says “the 301 tariff,” ask which action they mean.
What the History Means for Charger Buyers
AC chargers, DC chargers and charging cables have all appeared in CBP rulings tied to the 2018 List 3 heading, so the history is not academic. It shows that these duties have been extended, increased and reviewed, but not removed, for eight years. Practical steps:
- Price product lines with Section 301 included, not as a temporary extra.
- Watch for the next USTR review notice, which may invite comments.
- Keep origin documentation clean; see our guide to factory vs trading company suppliers.
Our US import overview covers the entry steps, and OEM unit cost drivers shows where duty sits in pricing. EVDANCE builds chargers such as the EV-ACT5006T 48A wall charger in its own Shenzhen factory. All status information is as of October 16, 2026; confirm with the latest Federal Register notice and a licensed customs broker before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Section 301 tariffs on China start?
The first duties took effect on July 6, 2018, after an investigation opened in August 2017.
Were Section 301 tariffs ended in 2026?
No. USTR announced on October 7, 2026 that both 2018 actions remain in effect, subject to further review.
Is the 2026 forced-labor tariff part of the 2018 case?
No. It is a separate Section 301 action that took effect on July 24, 2026.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- Chinese EV Charger Manufacturers: Factory, Trading Company or Marketplace Seller?
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
