AMENDMENT TO RECIPROCAL TARIFFS AND UPDATED DUTIES ON LOW-VALUE IMPORTS FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
By the powers conferred upon me as President of the United States, as outlined by our Constitution and relevant laws—including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code—I hereby issue the following determination and order:
Section 1. Background
In Executive Order 14257, issued on April 2, 2025, I declared a national emergency due to persistent and substantial U.S. goods trade deficits. To counteract this unusual and extraordinary threat, which largely originates beyond our borders, I imposed additional ad valorem duties deemed necessary to protect the economic and national security of the United States. Section 4(b) of Executive Order 14257 states that should any trading partner retaliate with import duties on U.S. exports, I reserve the right to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) accordingly. Furthermore, Executive Order 14256, also dated April 2, 2025, ended the duty-free de minimis treatment for certain imports from China starting May 2, 2025.
On April 4, 2025, the State Council Tariff Commission of the People’s Republic of China announced retaliatory measures, imposing a 34% tariff on all goods imported from the United States, effective April 10, 2025. In line with Section 4(b) of Executive Order 14257, I am now directing modifications to the HTSUS to raise the duties on imports from the PRC as a response to their retaliation. This adjustment is essential for addressing the ongoing threat to our national security and economy.
Sec 2. Tariff Increase
In light of the PRC’s announced retaliation, the HTSUS will be modified as follows, effective for goods consumed or withdrawn from warehouses after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025:
- (a) The tariff rate under heading 9903.01.63 of the HTSUS will be amended by replacing “34%” with “84%” wherever it appears;
- (b) Subdivision (v)(xiii)(10) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS will also be updated to reflect this new rate of “84%” in place of “34%”.
Sec 3. De Minimis Tariff Increase
To prevent evasion of the newly imposed tariffs and ensure the integrity of Executive Order 14257, I find it necessary to implement the following increases:
- (a) The ad valorem duty rate under section 2(c)(i) of Executive Order 14256 will rise from 30% to 90%;
- (b) The per postal item duty rate specified in section 2(c)(ii) will increase from $25 to $75 for items in effect between May 2, 2025, and June 1, 2025;
- (c) Following June 1, 2025, this duty will further rise from $50 to $150 per postal item.
Sec 4. Implementation
The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative are directed to collaborate with other relevant officials—including the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury—to implement this order effectively. This may involve temporary suspensions or amendments of regulations, as well as the adoption of new rules and regulations as necessary.
Sec 5. General Provisions
(a) This order does not diminish the authority granted to any executive department or agency, nor does it affect the roles of the Office of Management and Budget regarding budgetary or legislative proposals.
(b) Implementation will be consistent with applicable laws and subject to available appropriations.
(c) This order does not create any enforceable rights or benefits that can be claimed against the United States or its entities.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 8, 2025
