China Imposes Additional 84% Tariff on U.S. Imports with Transitional Exemptions

"Effective 12:01 AM on April 10, 2025, China will impose an additional 84% tariff on all imports originating in the United States, based on the existing applicable tariff rate. This action is in accordance with the Tariff Commission Announcements [2025] No. 4 and No. 5. However, an exemption applies to “goods in transit”—those shipped before the cutoff time but imported between April 10 and May 13, 2025. Importers of such goods can apply for a waiver from the additional tariff by verifying shipment dates and submitting the necessary documentation during customs declaration. Goods must be declared before 24:00 on May 13, 2025, to qualify. Key implementation details include: Clear identification of departure date in customs declarations. Specific declarations confirming eligibility for the exemption, with legal responsibility borne by the importer. Refunds of previously paid tariffs are possible for eligible goods in transit, subject to verification. In bonded zones and under processing trade, stricter controls will be applied: From April 10, 2025, bonded circulation and transfer of U.S.-origin goods and processed products are restricted. Processing trade enterprises must manage U.S.-related goods under special handbooks/account books, marked with “[M]”. Simple processing in bonded zones that alters product codes or origin for U.S.-origin goods will be disallowed. This measure reflects a significant escalation in trade policy and imposes detailed compliance requirements for importers and processors dealing with U.S.-origin goods."