Understanding the New 245% Tariffs: What Importers Need to Know
The latest round of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports has intensified, with additive tariffs now reaching up to 245% on certain goods. These are not replacements for existing duties but are layered on top — meaning businesses must now account for multiple overlapping taxes when calculating total import costs.
This increase stems from a revision to Section 301 tariffs, initially introduced during the Trump administration. While the original rate was 25%, the updated structure allows for up to 100% tariffs under the same provision, which — when combined with pre-existing duties and new additions related to issues like China’s lack of fentanyl regulation — brings the total to a staggering 245%.
The targeted goods are no accident. The revised tariffs focus heavily on critical industries such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, surgical and medical supplies, and raw materials like critical minerals. These industries are viewed as strategically important to national security and domestic self-sufficiency.
A phased approach is also being implemented, with some tariffs set to take effect in 2026, giving businesses time to adapt their supply chains or shift sourcing to alternative countries. For example, latex gloves and other essential items used in healthcare will face doubled tariffs in the future.
To help businesses navigate these changes, an Amazon Seller Central tool is highlighted that enables users to identify tariff rates based on product HS codes. By entering a product description or code, importers can calculate the exact combined tariff burden — including baseline import duties, Section 301 tariffs, and any new additive tariffs — ensuring accurate cost forecasting.
This tool is especially valuable for eCommerce sellers and importers who need to make real-time decisions about pricing, inventory, and sourcing strategy in response to shifting trade policies.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step breakdown of how additive tariffs work, which industries are affected, and how to use the Seller Central tool to check your product’s tariff rate.
The latest round of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports has intensified, with additive tariffs now reaching up to 245% on certain goods. These are not replacements for existing duties but are layered on top — meaning businesses must now account for multiple overlapping taxes when calculating total import costs.
This increase stems from a revision to Section 301 tariffs, initially introduced during the Trump administration. While the original rate was 25%, the updated structure allows for up to 100% tariffs under the same provision, which — when combined with pre-existing duties and new additions related to issues like China’s lack of fentanyl regulation — brings the total to a staggering 245%.
The targeted goods are no accident. The revised tariffs focus heavily on critical industries such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, surgical and medical supplies, and raw materials like critical minerals. These industries are viewed as strategically important to national security and domestic self-sufficiency.
A phased approach is also being implemented, with some tariffs set to take effect in 2026, giving businesses time to adapt their supply chains or shift sourcing to alternative countries. For example, latex gloves and other essential items used in healthcare will face doubled tariffs in the future.
To help businesses navigate these changes, an Amazon Seller Central tool is highlighted that enables users to identify tariff rates based on product HS codes. By entering a product description or code, importers can calculate the exact combined tariff burden — including baseline import duties, Section 301 tariffs, and any new additive tariffs — ensuring accurate cost forecasting.
This tool is especially valuable for eCommerce sellers and importers who need to make real-time decisions about pricing, inventory, and sourcing strategy in response to shifting trade policies.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step breakdown of how additive tariffs work, which industries are affected, and how to use the Seller Central tool to check your product’s tariff rate.
HTS Section 301 Tariff Search Tool: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/huntui/index.html (Additive tariffs from Trump's 2nd Administration not included)