Section 301 tariffs target Chinese imports specifically, with rates reaching 25-35% on thousands of product categories. Understand the rates, exemptions, and what to expect next.
Section 301 tariffs were first imposed in 2018 following a USTR investigation into China's trade practices related to intellectual property and technology transfer. The tariffs were applied in four waves, or lists, covering progressively more product categories. Unlike Section 122 which applies universally, Section 301 targets a specific country in response to documented unfair trade practices. The legal authority has been upheld by the Court of International Trade, and the tariffs have survived multiple legal challenges.
List 1 covers $34 billion in industrial machinery, electronics, and aerospace components at 25%. List 2 covers $16 billion in semiconductors and plastics at 25%. List 3 covers $200 billion in consumer goods, furniture, and apparel at 25%. List 4A covers $120 billion in consumer electronics, footwear, and toys at 7.5%. Together, these lists cover the vast majority of Chinese exports to the US. Check your product's HS code against the official USTR lists to determine which rate applies.
The most effective strategy is supply chain diversification to countries not subject to Section 301 tariffs. Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Mexico are common alternatives. For products that must come from China, explore the exclusion process, tariff engineering to qualify under lower-rate HS codes, and foreign trade zone benefits. MarginHub models the cost savings of shifting production from China to alternative origins and identifies which of your products have the highest tariff reduction potential.
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the US Trade Representative to impose tariffs on countries that engage in unfair trade practices. Since 2018, Section 301 tariffs have been applied to Chinese imports in response to intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, covering over $370 billion in goods at rates of 7.5-25%.
Rates vary by product category across four tariff lists. List 1 and List 2 products face 25%, List 3 products face 25%, and List 4A products face 7.5%. When combined with the 10% Section 122 surcharge, effective rates on Chinese goods range from 17.5% to 35% before any product-specific duties.
USTR periodically opens exclusion request windows for specific product categories. Exclusions are granted when a product is not available from non-Chinese sources, the tariff causes severe economic harm, or the product is strategically important. Approved exclusions are typically retroactive and last 12 months.
Section 301 tariffs stack on top of the standard Most Favored Nation duty rate, the Section 122 universal surcharge, and any Section 232 tariffs if applicable. A Chinese steel product could face the MFN rate plus 25% Section 301 plus 25% Section 232 plus 10% Section 122, reaching over 60% total.
There are no current indications of a broad reduction. USTR conducted a mandatory four-year review in 2025 and maintained most tariff rates while increasing rates on specific technology and green energy categories. Individual product exclusions remain the primary relief mechanism.
See which of your products face Section 301 tariffs and model the savings from shifting to alternative suppliers.
Analyze My Tariffs