When President Trump announced “55% on Chinese goods” on June 11, 2025, many importers feared a new additional tariff on top of what they already pay — but that’s not what it means. The 55% is the total combined rate for goods with a 25% Section 301 tariff, not a new layer added on top of everything else.
Key takeaways
- The 55% figure represents the total of Section 301 + IEEPA + reciprocal tariffs for goods with a 25% Section 301 rate — it is not a new add-on.
- What you actually pay depends on your specific Section 301 rate, which varies by HTS code.
- The 30% base (20% IEEPA fentanyl + 10% reciprocal) was already in effect before the announcement.
- Section 232 products from China follow a different calculation — they are excluded from the reciprocal tariff but still subject to IEEPA.
- There is no compelling reason to rush shipments based on an August 12 deadline — the effective rate is already in place.
How to read the 55% figure
China tariffs are calculated by adding: base duty rate + Section 301 + IEEPA fentanyl tariff + reciprocal tariff. (Section 232 products follow different stacking rules, covered below.) The announcement of “55%” refers specifically to the total for goods with a 25% Section 301 rate — the most common Section 301 tier. It is not a blanket new tariff applied universally.
The table below shows what you actually pay based on your Section 301 rate, as of the June 2025 arrangement:
| Your Section 301 rate (2024) | IEEPA fentanyl | Reciprocal tariff | Total tariff (excl. base duty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 20% | 10% | 55% |
| 7.5% | 20% | 10% | 37.5% |
| 0% | 20% | 10% | 30% |
| 0% (with active Section 301 exclusion) | 20% | 10% | 30% (exclusion extended to end of August 2025; may revert to 55% if not renewed) |
| Section 232 product (e.g., steel/aluminum) | 20% | Excluded | 50% Section 232 + 20% IEEPA (plus any Section 301) |
Is this actually different from what you’re paying today?
For most importers: no. The 30% base (20% IEEPA + 10% reciprocal) was already in effect before June 11. The announcement didn’t create new rates — it formalized an arrangement that was already in place. That means there is no particular urgency to rush shipments ahead of an August 12 deadline. You are already paying the rate that the “55%” headline describes.
This is consistent with the broader pattern we covered in our post on the US-China trade deal and 90-day pause — pauses and informal deals often become the de facto permanent state before any formal extension is announced.
What about Section 301 product exclusions?
If you have an active Section 301 product exclusion, your exclusion has been extended to the end of August 2025. During that window, you pay 30% (IEEPA + reciprocal only). After August 2025, whether the exclusion continues is up to the USTR. If it lapses, your rate reverts to whatever the 55%-structure would yield for your Section 301 tier.
Section 232 products from China — the exception
If your goods are subject to Section 232 (steel, aluminum, copper, autos, auto parts), the calculation is different. Section 232 products are excluded from the reciprocal tariff — but for China, the IEEPA fentanyl tariff (20%) still applies on top of the Section 232 rate. So for a steel product from China: 50% Section 232 + 20% IEEPA + any Section 301 = a very significant cumulative rate. For more on how these three tariff types interact, see our explainer on how tariffs stack.
What happened to ocean freight rates?
After the 90-day pause was announced earlier in 2025, ocean freight rates from China surged as importers rushed to beat expected deadlines. With a deal now on the table, the rush subsided and rates fell significantly. If you have shipments booked at elevated rates, it may be worth contacting your carrier or freight forwarder to explore cancellation and rebooking options at current rates. Rates are expected to remain elevated relative to pre-2025 levels through the rest of the year, with Q4 seasonal pressure likely pushing them higher. For a broader view on logistics strategy, see our post on the China shipping dilemma.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 55% tariff on Chinese goods a new tariff?
No. It is the total of existing tariff layers for goods with a 25% Section 301 rate: 25% (Section 301) + 20% (IEEPA fentanyl) + 10% (reciprocal) = 55%. No new tariff was created by the June 11, 2025, announcement.
What if my Section 301 rate is 7.5%?
Your total tariff exposure (excluding base duty) is 37.5%: 7.5% Section 301 + 20% IEEPA + 10% reciprocal.
What if my goods have no Section 301 tariff?
You pay 30%: 20% IEEPA fentanyl + 10% reciprocal. This is the floor for all Chinese goods not covered by Section 232.
Should I rush shipments before August 12, 2025?
In most cases, no. The rate you would be rushing to avoid is already what you are paying. Rushing incurs premium freight costs without a corresponding tariff benefit. Model the numbers before making that decision.
How long will the deal last?
As of June 2025, the arrangement is described as temporary with an August 12, 2025, expiry — but like prior “temporary” pauses, it may be extended or quietly made indefinite. Monitor the Federal Register for formal extensions or modifications.
Related reading
- US–China Trade Deal & 90-Day Pause Explained
- How Tariffs Stack: Section 232, IEEPA, and Reciprocal Tariffs Explained
- The China Shipping Dilemma
- 2025 Reciprocal Tariffs by Country: The Full Rate List and How Stacking Works
- The US–Japan Trade Deal Explained: 15% Tariff Cap, Autos, and Exclusions
- Double Tariffs on India: The Reciprocal Tariff + 25% Russian Oil Tariff Explained
This article is for general information only and reflects the rules as of its original publication date. Tariff and customs regulations change frequently — consult a licensed customs broker or trade attorney before acting on your specific situation. Contact Simple Forwarding to discuss your shipments.
