What products are covered by Section 301 tariffs and what are the current duty rates?

Section 301 tariffs apply to approximately $370 billion worth of imports from China across four product lists. Duty rates range from 7.5 percent to 25 percent depending on the product category. Key affected sectors include textiles, apparel, electronics, automotive components, and life sciences products. A total of 178 tariff exclusions are currently valid but expire November 9.

Why did the Trump administration continue tariffs instead of allowing them to terminate?

The USTR received numerous requests from domestic industries to continue the tariffs beyond their four-year anniversary dates (July 6 and August 23). These industry stakeholders believe the tariffs protect them from Chinese competition and achieve the objectives of the original Section 301 investigation, so USTR chose to extend them rather than allow termination.

What is the USTR four-year review and what could it change?

The USTR is now conducting a statutory four-year review of the Section 301 tariffs. The agency will invite comments on the tariffs' effectiveness in achieving investigation objectives, consider alternative actions, and assess effects on the U.S. economy including consumers. The review could result in further modifications to tariff rates, product lists, or the exclusion regime. A separate notice will outline the comment process.

When do the current tariff exclusions expire and what happens after?

The 178 currently valid tariff exclusions are set to expire November 9. Importers should monitor whether the USTR renews or modifies exclusions during the four-year review. Companies relying on exclusions should consider submitting renewal requests or tariff mitigation petitions before the deadline to avoid duty assessments.

How should supply chain teams respond to this tariff continuation?

Supply chain professionals should conduct tariff impact audits to identify exposure across their China sourcing. Review whether current exclusions apply to your imports and prepare renewal applications if needed. Consider tariff mitigation strategies such as supplier diversification, near-shoring alternatives, or tariff classification optimization. Monitor USTR notices for the formal review process and be prepared to submit comments if your industry is affected.

Trade Policy & Tariffs

High Impact

Section 301 China Tariffs Officially Extended, USTR Signals Review Ahead

Nov 2, 2026

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The signal

The U.S. Trade Representative has formally confirmed the continuation of Section 301 tariffs on approximately $370 billion of Chinese imports, with duty rates ranging from 7.5 to 25 percent across four product lists. Despite a May 2026 notice indicating possible termination, industry pressure secured an extension, and the tariffs remain in force beyond their four-year anniversary dates in July and August.

The USTR is now conducting a statutory review process that will solicit feedback on tariff effectiveness and potential alternatives, creating ongoing uncertainty for supply chain professionals managing China sourcing strategies. For supply chain teams, this development represents both continuity and risk. While the tariff framework is now clear through at least the USTR review period, the 178 currently valid exclusions expire November 9, and the review process could result in modifications to rates or product coverage.

Companies dependent on Chinese inputs across textiles, apparel, life sciences, and electronics face sustained cost pressures and must evaluate tariff mitigation strategies, supplier diversification, or tariff exclusion petitions before year-end. The lack of full clarity until the review concludes means supply chain professionals should prepare contingency plans for tariff rate changes, expanded or narrowed exclusion lists, or unexpected policy shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if tariff exclusions narrow by 50 percent after the USTR review?

Model the impact of losing tariff exclusions on 50 percent of your current China imports. Assume affected SKUs transition from excluded status (0 percent duty) to standard Section 301 rates (15-25 percent average). Recalculate landed costs, assess margin compression across affected product categories, and identify which suppliers or sourcing locations could be pivoted within 6-12 months.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this week

What if you need to secure alternative suppliers outside China within 90 days?

Plan for rapid supplier diversification out of China due to tariff uncertainty. Model sourcing scenario that shifts 25-40 percent of China volume to ASEAN, India, or domestic sources within 90 days. Assess lead time impacts (typically 4-8 weeks longer for new suppliers), quality assurance requirements, and price negotiations. Calculate inventory buffers needed to bridge transition period without service level impact.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if USTR raises Section 301 rates from current levels to 30-35 percent?

Simulate a scenario where the USTR increases Section 301 tariff rates by 5-10 percentage points during the four-year review process in response to continued trade tensions or escalation dynamics. Model the cumulative effect on sourcing economics, including compounded cost impacts across multi-tiered supply chains. Evaluate the break-even point for near-shoring or supplier relocation decisions.

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