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Here’s the Latest on U.S.–China Tariffs and How They’re Affecting Imports by HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) Categories

  • Writer: emails419
    emails419
  • Aug 13
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 25


AGFUS China Office
AGFUS China Office


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Latest Developments


1. 90-Day Tariff Truce Extended

The U.S. and China agreed yesterday (August 12, 2025) to extend their tariff truce for another 90 days, avoiding an imminent escalation. This postponement means the previously planned extreme tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. exports to China—are delayed through November 10. For now, existing tariffs remain at 30% on Chinese imports and 10% on U.S. imports to China. PIIE+15Reuters+15Harmonized Tariff Schedule+15


2. De Minimis Exemption Revoked

Starting August 29, 2025, the U.S. will eliminate the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter duty-free. Now, all low‑value international packages—including those from China, Europe, Brazil, and elsewhere—will face full customs duties. These range from 15% for European goods to 50% for Brazilian imports, with a flat $80 fee applied when tariffs can’t be calculated. Wikipedia+3The Sun+3Kiplinger+3


3. Consumer Prices See Inflationary Pressure

The implementation of these tariffs is already nudging consumer inflation upwards. In July 2025, U.S. CPI rose 2.7%, while core inflation—excluding food and energy—surged above 3% for the first time in six months. Analysts warn that core inflation could climb to 3.8% by year-end. Goldman Sachs projects that by October, the higher tariffs will significantly impact household costs. Politico+2AP News+2

4. Price Hikes in Everyday Items

Tariffs are affecting a wide spectrum of consumer goods:

  • Cars: New vehicle prices may rise by 12%, adding up to $6,000 per vehicle.

  • Clothing: Prices could be up by 37%.

  • Leather goods: Up to 39% increase in shoes and bags.

  • Fresh produce: Prices rising up to 7%.

  • Estimated cost increases on average: $2,400 per American household annually. The Washington Post+1


Impact on HTS Import Categories

Though detailed HTS-line-by-line data isn't available in recent news summaries, here are the likely affected categories:

HTS Category

Impact Summary

Automobiles & auto parts (HTS 87)

Tariffs up to 25%, pushing prices for vehicles and parts upward significantly. Torres Trade Law+14Harmonized Tariff Schedule+14DataWeb+14The Washington Post+2Kiplinger+2

Steel, Aluminum & Appliances (HTS 72/73/85)

Steel & aluminum tariffs doubled to 50%; household appliances now included. WikipediaGeodis

Copper & Related Components (HTS 74)

50% tariff imposed on copper imports and intermediate copper products. Wikipedia

Low-value consumer goods (various HTS)

Removal of de minimis impacts e-commerce goods from China, raising costs across many HTS lines. The SunWikipedia

Leather, Apparel, Shoes (HTS 42, 61, 64)

Major price increases resulting from tariffs on imported clothing and accessories. The Washington Post

Summary

  • The U.S.–China tariff truce is extended until November, keeping current rates in place (30% on Chinese imports).

  • Removal of the de minimis exemption will hit low-value imports hard across many HTS categories.

  • Significant inflationary effects are already visible in core CPI and the cost of goods like cars, clothing, and food.

  • Tariffs on steel, copper, automobiles, and e-commerce goods will continue to influence HTS lines tied to manufacturing and retail sectors.


If you have additional questions or need to check your specific HTS code visit us at:

 
 
 

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