The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States sets the duty rates for every imported product — over 17,000 10-digit codes covering everything from raw agricultural commodities to advanced semiconductor equipment. In 2026, importers face multiple overlapping layers of duty obligations: general Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates, Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods, Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum, antidumping and countervailing duty orders, and preferential rates under free trade agreements. Understanding which layer applies to your product can mean the difference between a profitable shipment and an unexpected cash call at the border.
This guide covers current approximate duty rate ranges by major product category to give importers and compliance teams a working reference. Rates are based on published tariff schedules as of early 2026 and should be treated as directional guidance. Always verify the exact applicable rate with the official USITC HTS schedule, check for active Section 301 or AD/CVD orders via the USTR and Commerce Department, and consult a licensed customs broker before importing. CBP makes the final, binding determination at time of entry.
The table below shows approximate duty rate ranges by major HTS chapter. The "General Rate" column reflects MFN/column 1 rates applicable to imports from most countries. The "Section 301 (China)" column shows additional duties imposed on Chinese-origin goods — these are additive on top of the general rate.
| Category | HTS Chapter(s) | General Rate | Section 301 (China) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Tech | Ch. 84–85 | 0–3.9% | 7.5–25% | Many ITA goods duty-free; consumer electronics vary. Phones, computers often 0% MFN. |
| Apparel & Textiles | Ch. 61–62 | 12–32% | 25% | Highest general rates in the schedule. T-shirts ~16.5%; sweaters up to 32%. |
| Footwear | Ch. 64 | 6–67.5% | 25% | Athletic footwear 20%; leather dress shoes 8.5–10%. Rubber/plastic uppers can hit 67.5%. |
| Steel & Aluminum | Ch. 72–76 | 0–3% | 25% | Section 232: +25% steel, +10% aluminum (most countries). Total can reach 28%+ for China. |
| Vehicles & Parts | Ch. 87 | 2.5–25% | 25% | Passenger cars: 2.5%. Light trucks: 25% (chicken tax). Auto parts vary widely. |
| Furniture | Ch. 94 | 0–7% | 25% | Wooden furniture 0% MFN in many cases; upholstered seating ~3.7%. China hit hardest. |
| Plastics & Rubber | Ch. 39–40 | 3.1–6.5% | 25% | Polymers in primary forms ~3.1%; articles of plastic vary. Rubber goods 3–4.2%. |
| Chemicals | Ch. 28–38 | Free–6.5% | 25% | Many industrial chemicals duty-free MFN. Specialty formulations 3–6.5%. Check USTR lists. |
| Food & Agriculture | Ch. 01–24 | 0–100%+ | 7.5–25% | Huge variation. Sugar TRQs up to 100%; fresh fruit often free. Check seasonal rates. |
| Industrial Machinery | Ch. 84 | Free–3.5% | 25% | Most production machinery duty-free MFN. Section 301 adds significant cost for China sourcing. |
| Medical Devices | Ch. 90 | Free–4.4% | 7.5–25% | Many diagnostic/surgical instruments duty-free. Some devices 2.5–4.4%. FDA entry required. |
| Toys & Games | Ch. 95 | Free–4.9% | 25% | Most toys duty-free MFN; video game consoles 0%; sports equipment 4%. China exposure high. |
Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods are ADDITIVE on top of the MFN general rate. A product with a 3.9% general rate and a 25% Section 301 duty faces a combined 28.9% duty rate. Additionally, any applicable antidumping or countervailing duties are ALSO added on top of both.
Section 301 tariffs were first imposed in 2018 under the Trade Act of 1974 following a USTR investigation finding that China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer and intellectual property were unreasonable and a burden on US commerce. The tariffs have been maintained and in some cases increased under subsequent administrations, and as of 2026, they remain in force across four main tranches covering the vast majority of Chinese imports.
Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the President can impose duties on imports that threaten national security. Steel and aluminum tariffs were imposed in 2018 and remain in effect with various country-specific modifications. These duties apply broadly — not just to China — and affect importers sourcing from many countries.
| Product | Additional Rate | Applicable Countries | Key Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Articles | +25% | Most countries | Canada, Mexico (USMCA quota arrangements); Australia, UK, EU (TRQ agreements); some product-specific exclusions |
| Aluminum Articles | +10% | Most countries | Canada, Mexico; Australia; EU; UK; Japan (quota-based arrangements); product exclusions available |
| Aluminum Derivatives | +10% | Most countries | Includes foil, cable, tubes, and other derivative articles. Check specific HTS codes. |
Importers can apply for product-specific exclusions if the product is not available in sufficient quality/quantity from domestic producers. Exclusions are granted by the Department of Commerce and are typically product-specific and time-limited. Review the Commerce exclusion portal and consult a trade attorney if your imports are affected.
Free trade agreements allow qualifying goods to enter at reduced or zero duty rates — but eligibility requires meeting specific Rules of Origin (ROO). Claiming preferential treatment incorrectly is a significant compliance risk. Always document origin qualification before claiming a preferential rate.
Routing Chinese goods through a third country without substantial transformation to claim lower duty rates is illegal under 19 USC and can result in seizure, penalties up to 4x the unpaid duties, and criminal charges. CBP actively investigates transshipment schemes. Always document your actual country of origin.
Determining your precise duty rate requires a specific 10-digit HTS code. General rate ranges by category are a starting point only — rates can vary significantly even within a single HTS chapter. Follow this process:
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