China Auto Parts Landed Cost Calculator — USTradeStack

Q: What Section 301 tariff applies to auto parts from China (HTS 8708)?

Auto parts under HTS Chapter 8708 from China are subject to Section 301 List 3 at 25%. This stacks on top of the base MFN tariff rate for auto parts, which ranges from 2.5% to 4% for most 8708 subheadings. Effective total duty on Chinese auto parts typically runs 27.5–29% before Section 122. For a $50 auto part, the total duty burden is approximately $13.75–$14.50 per unit.

Q: Do Section 232 steel tariffs apply to Chinese auto parts with steel content?

Section 232 (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum) applies to steel and aluminum mill products. However, finished auto parts classified under HTS 8708 are not directly subject to Section 232 — Section 232 applies to the upstream steel/aluminum inputs (HTS Chapters 72–73, 76). Auto parts importers do not pay Section 232 on their finished goods. The higher cost of domestically produced steel may still affect auto part pricing through supply chain effects, but Section 232 does not stack on 8708 auto parts directly.

Q: Which Chinese auto parts have active antidumping or CVD orders?

Multiple China auto parts categories have active AD/CVD orders: aluminum alloy wheels (AD rate 16.26–76.91% + CVD), steel wheels (AD 7.72–118.06%), passenger tires/truck tires (AD + CVD combined rates up to 183%), auto brake drums, and automotive antifreeze. AD/CVD rates stack on top of Section 301 and base MFN rates — check Commerce's AD/CVD search at enforcement.trade.gov for cash deposit rates by manufacturer.

Q: What is the effective total duty rate for Chinese auto parts in 2026?

For most 8708 auto parts from China: base MFN (2.5–4%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (15%, active Feb–Jul 2026) = 42.5–44% effective duty rate. Parts with active AD/CVD orders face additional rates on top. MPF (0.3464%, min $32.71) also applies per entry. A $100 auto part from China has a total duty burden of approximately $42–$44 before freight and broker fees.

Q: Can I source auto parts from Mexico to avoid Section 301 on Chinese auto parts?

Yes — auto parts produced in Mexico with sufficient USMCA regional value content (RVC) qualify for 0% duty under USMCA, avoiding Section 301 entirely. Key requirement: parts must meet USMCA Rules of Origin. For most 8708 auto parts, USMCA requires: tariff change from a non-originating heading AND 35% RVC (net cost method) for auto parts. Mexican assembly of Chinese components without sufficient value addition may not qualify. Use the USMCA Certificate of Origin tool to verify eligibility.

Q: How does Customs Value work for Chinese auto parts with assists?

If you provide tooling, molds, dies, or materials to your Chinese auto parts manufacturer at no charge (called 'assists'), CBP requires you to add the value of those assists to the customs value. This is a common audit trigger for auto parts importers — CBP scrutinizes tooling charges closely. Document all assists accurately on the import entry. Failing to declare assists can trigger penalties under 19 CFR 152.103 and potential fraud referrals.

USTradeStack

Landed Cost Calculator

Calculate Landed Cost for Auto Parts from China

Auto parts from China carry one of the heaviest duty stacks in US trade: Section 301 (25%) on top of base MFN rates (2.5–4%), plus Section 122 (15%) active through July 2026, and potential AD/CVD orders on tires, wheels, and other components. This calculator is pre-loaded with China auto parts defaults — enter your shipment details for a complete cost breakdown.

Section 301 (List 3)

25%

HTS Ch. 8708 auto parts from China

Base MFN (8708)

2.5–4%

Stacks on top of Section 301

Section 122 Surcharge

15%

Active Feb 24 – Jul 24, 2026

Effective Total (excl. AD/CVD)

~44%

25% + 4% MFN + 15% S.122

Landed Cost Calculator — China Auto Parts (Pre-filled)

Pre-loaded with China origin · HTS 8708 defaults · Section 301 included · Enter cost and quantity below

China Auto Parts Duty Rates — HTS 8708 Quick Reference (2026)

Product	HTS Code	Base MFN	Section 301	AD/CVD?	Eff. Total
Bumpers & Parts	8708.10	2.5%	25%	No	27.5%
Seat Belts & Safety Parts	8708.21	2.5%	25%	No	27.5%
Brakes & Servo-Brakes	8708.30	2.5%	25%	Brake drums: AD	27.5%+
Transmission Parts	8708.40	2.5%	25%	No	27.5%
Drive Axles & Axle Parts	8708.50	2.5%	25%	No	27.5%
Wheels & Parts	8708.70	3.1%	25%	Alum. wheels: AD/CVD	28.1%+
Suspension Shock Absorbers	8708.80	2.5%	25%	No	27.5%
Passenger Tires (on rims)	4011.10	4%	25%	AD + CVD	29%+
Exhaust Mufflers & Pipes	8708.92	2%	25%	No	27%
Other Parts & Accessories	8708.99	2.5%	25%	Varies	27.5%

Section 122 (15%) stacks on all rates through July 24, 2026. AD/CVD rates vary by manufacturer — check enforcement.trade.gov for current cash deposit rates.

Key Compliance Issues for China Auto Parts Importers

Section 301 (25%, permanent): All HTS Chapter 8708 auto parts from China have faced 25% Section 301 since 2018. No sunset date. CBP enforces at entry — bond requirements may apply for high-volume importers.
AD/CVD Orders (aluminum wheels, tires, brake drums): Multiple auto parts categories from China have active antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Cash deposit rates are manufacturer-specific — buy from a supplier not on the AD/CVD order to avoid estimated duty deposits.
USMCA Alternative: Auto parts from Mexico qualifying under USMCA Rules of Origin enter at 0% — saving 27–44% compared to China sourcing. USMCA requires specific RVC thresholds and tariff change rules for 8708 products.
Assists (tooling): If you supply molds, dies, or tooling to your China manufacturer, those costs must be added to customs value. A common CBP audit trigger — document all assists accurately.
FCC / NHTSA Compliance: Vehicle safety parts require NHTSA compliance certifications. Automotive lighting and electrical components may also require FCC authorization. Non-compliant auto parts can be detained or refused entry.

Frequently Asked Questions — China Auto Parts Duties

What Section 301 tariff applies to auto parts from China (HTS 8708)? +

Auto parts under HTS Chapter 8708 from China face Section 301 List 3 at 25%, stacking on top of base MFN (2.5–4%). Effective total before Section 122: 27.5–29%. Including Section 122 (active through Jul 2026): 42.5–44%. For a $50 part, total duty is approximately $21–$22 per unit.

Do Section 232 steel tariffs apply to Chinese auto parts? +

Not directly. Section 232 (25% steel, 10% aluminum) applies to upstream mill products (HTS Ch. 72–73, 76), not finished auto parts under 8708. However, the higher cost of domestically produced steel flows through into auto part pricing. Some steel auto part inputs sourced separately may face Section 232 as raw materials.

Which Chinese auto parts have active AD/CVD orders? +

Active orders include: aluminum alloy wheels (AD 16–77%), passenger tires (AD + CVD combined up to 183%), light-duty truck tires, brake drums, and automotive antifreeze. These stack on top of Section 301 and MFN. Check enforcement.trade.gov for current rates by manufacturer.

Can sourcing from Mexico under USMCA eliminate Section 301? +

Yes — auto parts produced in Mexico meeting USMCA Rules of Origin qualify for 0% duty, avoiding Section 301 entirely. USMCA requires specific tariff change rules AND minimum regional value content (RVC) for 8708. Mexican assembly of Chinese components without sufficient value addition likely won't qualify.

What NHTSA requirements apply to Chinese auto parts? +

Safety-critical parts (brakes, tires, occupant restraints, lighting) must comply with NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Importers must file a DOT HS-7 declaration at entry for regulated auto parts. Non-compliant safety parts are detained by CBP and refused admission.

How do tooling assists affect customs value for Chinese auto parts? +

Any tooling, molds, dies, or materials you provide to your Chinese manufacturer at no charge must be included in the declared customs value. CBP audits auto part importers specifically for assists. Undeclaring assists triggers penalties under 19 CFR 152.103 and can result in fraud referrals.

Get Auto Parts Tariff Alerts

AD/CVD order updates, Section 301 exclusion renewals, and USMCA RVC changes — delivered weekly.

Related Tools & Guides

Calculator

Electronics from China — Landed Cost

Calculator

USMCA — Mexico Automotive Parts

Tool

AD/CVD Duty Lookup

Tool

FTA Optimizer — USMCA Savings

HTS Classifier

Classify Your Auto Part

Reference

China Tariff Profile

Educational estimates only — actual duties determined by CBP at time of entry. AD/CVD rates are manufacturer-specific — verify at enforcement.trade.gov. Consult a licensed customs broker before import decisions. Rates effective April 2026. AI Disclaimer · Terms