US Customs Duty Rates: Complete Guide for Importers
US Customs Duty Rates: What Different Products Actually Pay
US customs duty rates range from 0% to 37.5% depending on HS code classification and country of origin. The US collected over $100 billion in customs duties in 2025. The average MFN rate is 3.5%, but Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods add 7.5-25% to many product categories.
Duty rates vary by: product type (HS code), value of shipment (de minimis threshold of $800), country of origin (FTA partners get zero rates), and any additional tariffs (Section 301, Section 232, anti-dumping).
Average Import Duty Rates by Route
* Average rates shown. Actual duty rates vary by product HS code and trade agreements.
Real Duty Rates by Product Category
Average Import Duty Rates by Route
* Average rates shown. Actual duty rates vary by product HS code and trade agreements.
| Product Category | General Rate (MFN) | China Surcharge (301) | Effective Rate (China) | FTA Rate (USMCA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | 7.5% | 7.5% | 0% |
| Clothing & apparel | 0-32% | None | 0-32% | 0% |
| Furniture | 0-8% | 25% | 25-33% | 0% |
| Toys & sports | 0-6% | 25% | 25-31% | 0% |
| Auto parts | 0-4% | 25% | 25-29% | 0% |
| Steel/aluminum | 0-1% | 25% (Section 232) | 25-26% | 0% (USMCA) |
| Footwear | 0-48% | None | 0-48% | 0% (USMCA) |
How the Calculation Works (With Real Examples)
US duties are calculated on the CIF value: product cost + international shipping + insurance. Formula: Duty = CIF value x duty rate. Example: $8,000 furniture, $1,200 freight, $60 insurance. CIF = $9,260. Rate: 25% (Section 301) + 4% (base) = 29%. Duty = $9,260 x 29% = $2,685. Total: $11,945.
De minimis threshold: $800 per person per day. Over 1 billion packages entered the US under de minimis in 2025. If product + shipping + insurance is under $800, you pay zero duty and zero processing fees.
Section 301 Tariffs: What They Cost You
- Section 301: 7.5-25% on $550B of Chinese goods. List 1 ($34B at 25%) - machinery/electrical. List 2 ($16B at 25%) - chemicals. List 3 ($200B at 25%) - furniture, bags. List 4A ($120B at 7.5%) - phones, laptops, toys, clothing.
- Section 232: 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum from all countries.
- Pro tip: Check your HTSUS code against USTR's exclusion portal. Some products have exclusions available.
- Country hopping: Manufacturers relocate from China to Vietnam, India, or Mexico to avoid Section 301 surcharges.
Calculate US Duties in the Calculator
Select US as destination and enter your HS code. The calculator: (1) looks up HTSUS duty rate, (2) checks Section 301 surcharges for China origin, (3) checks Section 232 for steel/aluminum, (4) applies FTA preferences, (5) checks $800 de minimis threshold, (6) adds anti-dumping if applicable. Each duty component shows separately for full transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my HTSUS code?
Use Landed Cost Hub's HS search, or visit usitc.gov/tariff. Search by keyword or 6-digit code. Ask your broker to verify the correct 10-digit HTSUS.
Can I get a duty refund if I overpaid?
Yes, file a CBP protest within 180 days. CBP refunds overpaid duty plus interest. Your broker can handle this.
What products are duty-free from FTA partners?
Goods from USMCA (Canada, Mexico) are duty-free. Korea, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Australia also have zero-rate FTAs with proper Certificate of Origin.
Written by Ace Wang
Founder & Import Operations Specialist | 20 years in cross-border ecommerce
Ace Wang has spent two decades managing import supply chains for small and medium businesses across China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Everything on LandedCostHub comes from real shipping lanes, real customs paperwork, and real P&L statements — not theory. More about Ace →
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