Category: Tariffs

Tariffs

New Era in Trade: What the 130% Tariffs on China Mean for U.S. Imports

MIAMI FREIGHT FORWARDER

2026 Trade Update: Navigating the 130% China Tariffs & New Semiconductor Rules.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026.

The Current Landscape: Beyond the 130% Headlines

While the 130% tariff on specific Chinese imports made waves in late 2025, the trade environment in early 2026 has become even more complex for U.S. importers. As of February 2026, we are tracking three critical shifts that every logistics manager must account for:

  1. The Supreme Court IEEPA Review: The legality of the “emergency” tariffs is currently before the Supreme Court. If struck down, importers may be eligible for significant duty drawbacks (refunds).

  2. New 25% Semiconductor Duties: Effective January 15, 2026, a new Section 232 proclamation added a 25% duty on high-performance AI chips and derivatives, regardless of origin, but with specific impacts on China-routed supply chains.

  3. Reciprocal “Truce” Adjustments: While the 34% reciprocal tariff was partially suspended to 24% for a 90-day window, a baseline 10% additional “fentanyl-related” duty remains stacked on nearly all Chinese goods.

What This Means for Your Landed Cost

Calculating “Landed Cost” in 2026 is no longer a static math problem. It requires real-time classification monitoring.

Product Category Current 2026 Duty Status Compliance Note
Upholstered Furniture 30% (Increased Jan 1) Watch for “Country of Origin” transshipment traps.
Advanced Computing 25% Section 232 + Sec 301 New HTS codes (9903.79.01) required.
Steel & Aluminum 50% / 25% USMCA exemptions are under heavy audit.

The Broker’s Perspective: How to Stay Compliant

At MIA Customs Brokers, we are seeing a 40% increase in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “Requests for Information” (CF-28s). To avoid delays:

  • Audit your HTS sequencing: CBP now requires strict sequencing of Chapter 98/99 before primary classifications.

  • Document “End-Use”: For semiconductor exemptions, you must maintain technical documentation of performance parameters.

  • Prepare for ACH Refunds: Ensure your CAIR (Customs Automated Interactive Registry) info is updated as CBP shifts all duty refunds to electronic-only as of February 6, 2026.

Critical SEO Checklist (Do these in WordPress)

  • Update the URL Slug: If possible, change the slug to china-tariffs-2026-update. (Note: Only do this if you set up a 301 Redirect from the old URL to the new one).

  • Add an “Author Bio”: At the bottom, add: “Written by [Your Name], Licensed Customs Broker at MIA Customs Brokers.” This hits the “Expertise” signal Google is looking for in 2026.

  • Add Internal Links: Find an older post about “Shipping from China” and link it to this one.

  • Add an FAQ Schema: Use a plugin (like Yoast or RankMath) to add a 2-question FAQ at the bottom.

    • Q: Are China tariffs still 130% in 2026?

    • A: While some specific lines hit 130% in 2025, the 2026 landscape features a mix of reciprocal 10-24% duties and product-specific Section 232 hikes.