A comparative guide to U.S. import duty rates across major sourcing countries, helping you identify the lowest-cost supply chain options.
U.S. tariff rates vary dramatically by country of origin, ranging from 0% for FTA-qualifying goods from Mexico and Canada to 30-35% for Chinese imports subject to Section 301 surcharges. Understanding these differences is essential for making informed sourcing decisions that minimize duty costs.
Countries fall into three tariff tiers. FTA partners (Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Australia, etc.) offer preferential or zero-duty rates on qualifying goods. Standard MFN countries (Vietnam, India, Indonesia, etc.) face base duty rates averaging 5-15%. China uniquely faces MFN rates plus Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges totaling 30-35% on most product categories.
The optimal sourcing country depends on your product category, volume requirements, quality standards, and timeline. Calculate the total landed cost from each potential origin including tariffs, freight, lead time, and quality costs. The cheapest source on a tariff basis is not always the cheapest on a landed cost basis.
Countries with free trade agreements offer the lowest rates. USMCA partners (Mexico, Canada) can achieve 0% on qualifying goods. FTA partners like South Korea (KORUS), Australia, and Singapore also offer preferential rates. Among non-FTA countries, many ASEAN nations face standard MFN rates of 5-15%.
China faces additional tariff surcharges under Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 on top of standard MFN rates. These trade enforcement measures were imposed due to concerns about intellectual property practices, technology transfer, and trade imbalances. No other major trading partner faces comparable surcharges.
Look up your product's HTS code in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which lists the general MFN rate. Then check whether additional tariffs apply (Section 301 for China, Section 232 for steel/aluminum). Finally, verify whether any FTA preferential rate applies based on the country of origin.
Base MFN rates are relatively stable and change primarily through trade negotiations. However, additional tariffs under Sections 201, 232, and 301 can be modified by executive action. Exclusions and exemptions also change regularly. Monitor Federal Register notices for current rates.
Not necessarily. Total landed cost includes FOB price, freight, insurance, duties, and handling fees. A country with low tariff rates but higher manufacturing costs or longer shipping distances may be more expensive overall. Always compare total landed costs, not just duty rates.
MarginHub models the total landed cost from multiple countries for every product in your catalog and recommends the optimal sourcing mix.
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