China to USA Import Tariff Calculator
Estimate your total landed cost for importing goods from China to the United States, including tariffs and common import fees.
The cost of the goods themselves, Free On Board (FOB) or Ex Works (EXW).
Cost of freight from China to the US port/destination.
Cost to insure your shipment during transit.
The percentage duty rate based on your product's HS Code (e.g., 0%, 2.5%, 25%).
Fee charged by your customs broker for clearance services.
Any additional miscellaneous fees (e.g., trucking, warehousing).
Calculation Results:
Dutiable Value (Customs Value): $0.00
Import Duty Amount: $0.00
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): $0.00
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): $0.00
Total Estimated Landed Cost: $0.00
Understanding Tariffs and Import Costs from China to USA
Importing goods from China to the United States involves more than just the product's purchase price. Importers must account for various costs, including international shipping, insurance, customs duties (tariffs), and other government-mandated fees. This calculator helps you estimate these costs to determine your total "landed cost" – the true cost of getting your product from the supplier's door to your own.
What are Tariffs (Import Duties)?
Tariffs, also known as import duties, are taxes levied by the U.S. government on imported goods. Their primary purposes are to generate revenue and to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The specific tariff rate applied to your product depends on its classification under the Harmonized System (HS) Code and the country of origin (e.g., Section 301 tariffs on goods from China).
Key Components of Your Landed Cost:
- Product Value (EXW/FOB): This is the base cost of the goods you are purchasing from your supplier.
- EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the product available at their own premises. The buyer bears all costs and risks of transporting the goods from there.
- FOB (Free On Board): The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. The seller pays for loading costs. The buyer assumes all risks and costs once the goods are on board.
- International Shipping Cost: The cost of transporting your goods from the origin port in China to the destination port or final delivery point in the USA. This can vary significantly based on mode (sea freight, air freight), volume, weight, and current market rates.
- Insurance Cost: While optional, insuring your shipment protects you against loss or damage during transit. This cost is typically a small percentage of the total value of the goods and freight.
- Dutiable Value (Customs Value): This is the value upon which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) calculates the import duty. For most imports, the dutiable value is the transaction value (the price actually paid or payable for the merchandise when sold for exportation to the U.S.), plus certain additions like packing costs, selling commissions, and sometimes the cost of freight and insurance if not already included in the transaction value. Our calculator simplifies this by using the sum of Product Value, Shipping, and Insurance as a common basis for estimation.
- Import Duty Amount: Calculated by multiplying the Dutiable Value by the Applicable Tariff Rate. For example, if your dutiable value is $10,000 and the tariff rate is 25%, your duty would be $2,500.
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): A fee collected by CBP on most commercial cargo imported into the U.S. via sea. It is currently 0.125% (0.00125) of the entered value of the merchandise.
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): Another fee collected by CBP for processing import entries. For formal entries (most commercial shipments over $2,500), it is currently 0.3464% (0.003464) of the entered value, with a minimum and maximum amount (e.g., min $31.67, max $614.35 as of late 2023/early 2024, these values are subject to change annually).
- Customs Broker Fee: A fee paid to a licensed customs broker who handles the complex process of customs clearance on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all U.S. import regulations.
- Other Import Fees: This category can include various additional costs such as trucking from the port to your warehouse, warehousing fees, demurrage (charges for exceeding free time at port), or other local delivery charges.
Important Considerations:
- HS Codes: Accurately classifying your product with the correct Harmonized System (HS) Code is crucial, as it directly determines the applicable tariff rate. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
- Section 301 Tariffs: Many goods from China are subject to additional Section 301 tariffs, which can significantly increase import costs. Ensure you know if your product falls under these tariffs.
- Fluctuating Rates: Shipping costs, insurance rates, and even government fees can fluctuate. This calculator provides an estimate based on the inputs you provide.
- De Minimis Value: Shipments valued at $800 or less (for most goods) are generally exempt from duties and taxes in the U.S. (known as the de minimis threshold). This calculator is primarily for commercial shipments above this value.
By understanding and calculating these costs upfront, importers can make informed decisions about pricing, profitability, and sourcing strategies.