The President of the United States has announced modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule concerning imports from China, following discussions with Chinese officials. This decision is part of an effort to address a national emergency related to significant U.S. trade deficits and concerns over economic and national security.
Executive Order 14257 initially imposed additional ad valorem duties on imports due to large trade deficits. In response to retaliatory measures by China, further adjustments were made through Executive Orders 14259 and 14266. The recent discussions between the U.S. and China aim to rectify non-reciprocal trade practices, prompting the suspension of some tariffs for 90 days starting May 14, 2025.
The President stated that "conducting these discussions is a significant step by the PRC toward remedying non-reciprocal trade arrangements." As a result, goods imported from China will be subject to a reduced ad valorem duty rate of 10 percent during this period.
Further amendments include changes in specific tariff headings within the HTSUS. Notably, heading 9903.01.25 will see adjustments in article descriptions, while other headings like 9903.01.63 will have percentage rates altered.
In addition to tariff modifications, there are reductions in duties on certain low-value imports from China related to synthetic opioids supply chains as outlined in Executive Order 14256.
The implementation of these changes involves coordination among various government departments including Commerce, Homeland Security, and State departments along with others involved in economic policy and international trade regulation.
This executive order does not create any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its agencies but aims at aligning U.S.-China trade relations more closely with American economic interests.
Donald J. Trump signed this order at the White House on May 12, 2025.
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