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At a Glance: China vs Taiwan

Factor 🇨🇳 China 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Trade Rank #1 #8
Annual US Imports $427B $109B
Trade Agreement None None
Avg Duty Rate 19.3% (incl. Section 301) 1.4% average MFN
Section 301 ⚠ Applies ✓ None
Section 232 (Steel/Alum) 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum 25% steel, 10% aluminum Sectio
Compliance Complexity ⚠ Very High Complexity ● Low Complexity
🇨🇳 China

Trade Agreement: No FTA

MFN Status: Normal Trade Relations (NTR)

⚠ Section 301: Lists 1–4A: 7.5%–25% on most goods
  • Electronics
  • Machinery
  • Apparel
  • Furniture
  • Toys
  • Plastics

Section 301 additional duties of 7.5%–25% apply to virtually all product categories. UFLPA rebuttable presumption applies to Xinjiang goods.

Full China Profile →
🇹🇼 Taiwan

Trade Agreement: No formal FTA

MFN Status: MFN/WTO Member

✓ No Section 301 Duties
  • Semiconductors
  • Electronics
  • Machinery
  • Plastics
  • Optical Equipment
  • Bicycles

Semiconductors and electronics generally duty-free under ITA. Key risk is accurate classification — components vs. finished goods.

Full Taiwan Profile →

Which Is Better for US Imports: China or Taiwan?

The right sourcing decision depends on your product category, shipment volume, and tolerance for compliance complexity. Here's what you need to know:

⚠ China Disadvantage: Section 301 Surcharges

Goods from China face Section 301 additional duties of Lists 1–4A: 7.5%–25% on most goods, significantly increasing costs. Taiwan is not subject to Section 301, making it substantially cheaper for most product categories.

Run the Numbers for Your Specific Product

General tariff comparisons are useful, but the real answer depends on your specific product, shipment size, freight costs, and current exchange rates. Use our landed cost calculator to compare both origins with actual numbers.

Precise Comparison

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Other Relevant Country Comparisons

Tariff comparisons sourced from USITC HTS Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists as of 2026-04-05. Country of origin rules, Section 301 product lists, and trade agreement applicability change frequently. Verify all rates before making sourcing decisions. AI-assisted analysis — not legal or customs advice.