Overview

On April 2 2025 the United States lifted the baseline import duty to 10 percent for all foreign‑made merchandise. The policy shift hits sellers who source products from China, Vietnam, Mexico and other low‑cost exporters, adding a new expense that must be reflected in pricing, inventory planning, and compliance routines. Amazon merchants who ignore the change risk shrinking margins and delayed shipments.

Key Points

• Baseline duty now 10 % — Every shipment entering the U.S. is subject to a minimum ten‑percent tariff, no matter the product class.
• China‑origin items see higher costs — Items that previously qualified for zero or low rates now incur the full ten‑percent, adding roughly $2 to $5 to the landed cost of a $20‑$50 SKU.
• Customs clearance slows by 2‑3 days — CBP’s verification of tariff classifications has lengthened average processing times, creating tighter supply‑chain windows.
• Profit margins dip 3‑5 % — High‑volume sellers report a net‑profit contraction of three to five percent after accounting for the new duty on core products.
• Detailed origin paperwork required — Importers must attach country‑of‑origin certificates for each container to avoid fines or holds.
• Retaliation risk remains — Trading partners have signaled possible counter‑tariffs, especially on electronics and apparel, which could further raise landed costs.

How the New Tariff Structure Works

1. Tariff Assessment at Arrival — CBP calculates ten‑percent duty on the declared customs value of the cargo. Example: A container of 1,000 silicone phone cases valued at $10,000 triggers a $1,000 duty before the goods are released.
2. HTS Code Verification — The agency cross‑checks the Harmonized Tariff Schedule code supplied by the importer; mismatches can prompt an audit and a revised duty rate. Example: A seller classifies a “fashion accessory” under HTS 6109.00, but the item is a protective case, leading CBP to re‑classify it and potentially raise the duty.