US tariffs on China fall into three groups as of October 2026. In force: the general duty rate, Section 301 duties from the 2018 case, a 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff since July 24, 2026, and Section 232 duties on covered metals and other goods. Set but not yet biting: a Section 301 semiconductor tariff now at 0% and due to rise on June 23, 2027. Pending or paused: new investigations and a suspended shipbuilding action. Knowing which group a measure is in tells you what to price now and what to watch.
Key Takeaways
- In force now: general rate, 2018 Section 301, 12.5% forced-labor tariff and Section 232 where listed.
- The Section 301 semiconductor tariff is 0% until June 23, 2027.
- Shipbuilding measures are suspended; two investigations have no tariff yet.
- Status is as of October 16, 2026; recheck before each order.
China Tariff Status Board (October 2026)
| Measure | Status | Rate or stage | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 301, 2018 technology transfer case | In force | Mostly 25% or 7.5%; higher on some strategic goods | Next stage of the four-year review |
| Section 301 forced-labor action | In force since July 24, 2026 | 12.5% for China, with exemptions | Changes to exemption lists |
| Section 232 (steel, aluminum, copper and other sectors) | In force, global | Varies by product and list | New derivative products |
| Section 301 semiconductors | Action taken December 23, 2025 | 0% now; rises June 23, 2027 to a rate to be announced | The rate notice, due at least 30 days ahead |
| Section 301 shipbuilding and maritime | Suspended for one year (November 2025) | Not applied | End of suspension |
| Section 301 on China’s Phase One commitments | Investigation opened October 2025 | No tariff yet | A determination |
| Section 301 structural excess capacity | Multi-country investigation opened March 2026 | No tariff yet | Which economies and products are named |
| IEEPA tariffs and the Section 122 surcharge | Ended | IEEPA struck down February 2026; Section 122 expired July 24, 2026 | Refund questions on past entries |
Status is drawn from the Congressional Research Service fact sheet on active tariff actions (current as of September 30, 2026), USTR’s semiconductor action notice and its October 2026 continuation notice.
What Is Already in Your Landed Cost
For an EV charger made in China, the layers you pay today are the general rate for its HTS code, the 2018 Section 301 duty for its list, and the 12.5% forced-labor tariff unless an exemption applies. Section 232 matters only if the product is on a metals derivative list, and when it does, that product is exempt from the forced-labor layer. Our US import overview explains how these are reported on the entry.
What to Watch, and Why It Matters for Chargers
- The semiconductor rate in 2027. USTR’s notice targets semiconductors from China, including concern about chips in downstream products. Whether and how it reaches finished goods depends on the rate notice and product scope, so check it when published.
- The 2018 case review. USTR has said it will publish a notice on the next phase, which may invite comments and could modify rates.
- New investigations. The Phase One and excess capacity investigations have produced no tariffs yet. We do not predict outcomes.
- Section 232 lists. New derivative products can be added, which would change the stack for metal-heavy items such as pedestals or cables.
The practical approach is to price what is in force, keep a scenario for what is pending, and recheck before each order. Our guides on OEM unit cost drivers and building a profitable product line show how to leave room for change.
How EVDANCE Helps Buyers Plan
EVDANCE manufactures in its own Shenzhen factory and ships FOB or DDP, with model-level invoices and material details that help your broker apply the right layers. Distributors can start through our distributor program. This board is as of October 16, 2026; confirm every measure with the Federal Register and a licensed customs broker before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tariff on Chinese semiconductors now?
The Section 301 semiconductor action took effect December 23, 2025 at 0%. The rate rises on June 23, 2027 to a level USTR will announce.
Are the fentanyl and reciprocal tariffs still collected?
No. They were imposed under IEEPA, which the Supreme Court ruled does not authorize tariffs.
Will new investigations raise charger tariffs?
We cannot predict that. Watch for USTR determinations and price with a margin for change.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
- How Distributors Can Build a Profitable EV Charger Product Line
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
