At a Glance
• Universal 10% baseline tariff applies to all countries with limited exemptions
• Steel and aluminum tariffs expanded to 50% covering 407+ derivative products
• China faces enhanced duties up to 130% on certain products with de minimis elimination
• Semiconductor products receive broad exemptions from reciprocal tariffs
• Section 301 exclusions for China extended through August 2025
• Manufacturing sectors face average tariff rates exceeding 30% in some categories
The 2025 tariff landscape represents the most comprehensive trade policy shift in decades, with sweeping changes affecting nearly every import category. Understanding what products are affected by tariffs has become critical for businesses managing supply chains and pricing strategies. Recent presidential actions have created a complex web of baseline, reciprocal, and sector-specific duties that vary dramatically by country and product type. Companies must navigate multiple tariff programs simultaneously while monitoring frequent policy updates and exemption changes.
What Products Are Affected by Tariffs – Current Overview
The current tariff framework operates through multiple overlapping programs that create different duty rates depending on product classification and country of origin. The baseline universal tariff establishes a foundation rate while country-specific measures add additional layers of duties. Sector-specific programs like Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs override other rates when applicable. Understanding this hierarchy helps businesses identify their actual tariff exposure across different product lines.
Universal Baseline Tariffs on All Countries
A 10 percent baseline tariff on all countries from April through June of 2025, exempting Section 232 goods, Annex II goods, and specified electronics. This universal rate applies to virtually all imported merchandise regardless of origin country, creating the minimum tariff floor for most products. The baseline tariff represents a significant shift from traditional trade policy by treating all trading partners equally at the foundational level.
Exemptions from the baseline tariff include products already subject to higher Section 232 duties, certain agricultural items listed in Annex II, and qualifying semiconductor products. The April tariffs impose a baseline 10% tariff on goods from all countries starting April 5, 2025, and higher rates (11% to 50%) for 57 specific countries starting April 9, 2025. This creates a two-tier system where most countries pay only the baseline rate while others face enhanced duties.
Country-Specific Tariff Rates
Beyond the universal baseline, specific countries face additional reciprocal tariffs based on their trade practices and relationships with the United States. On April 9, 2025, exactly one week after the announcement of his “Liberation Day” tariffs, President Trump issued a new Executive Order implementing a temporary 90-day pause on country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs, effective April 10, 2025, except tariffs imposed on China. This pause simplified the tariff structure for most countries while maintaining enhanced measures against China.
The reciprocal tariff system was designed to match the trade barriers imposed by other countries on U.S. exports. Countries with higher trade barriers face correspondingly higher tariff rates on their exports to the United States. However, the temporary pause means most countries currently face only the 10% baseline rate plus any applicable sector-specific duties.
Also Read: What Percentage of U.S. Oil Is Imported in 2025? The Facts
Steel and Aluminum Products Under Section 232 Tariffs
Section 232 tariffs represent the most comprehensive sector-specific trade measures currently in effect, covering both primary steel and aluminum products and an expanding list of derivative items. These tariffs override other rates and apply to the steel or aluminum content of imported products. The program has expanded significantly in 2025 with higher rates and broader product coverage creating substantial compliance challenges for manufacturers.
Core Steel and Aluminum Items
I decided to adjust the imports of those steel articles and derivative steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries. However, The steel and aluminum tariffs will apply only to the steel and aluminum contents of imported products and rates have increased to 50% for most countries as of 2025.
Primary steel products include flat-rolled steel, long steel products, pipe and tube products, and stainless steel items. Aluminum products cover unwrought aluminum, aluminum plates, sheets, foil, and various aluminum extrusions. Like other countries, China is also subject to a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and as of August 1, 2025, copper (Section 232 tariffs). The addition of copper products represents a significant expansion of the Section 232 program.
Derivative Products and Expanded Coverage
The most significant development in 2025 has been the massive expansion of derivative products subject to Section 232 tariffs. The tariff list now covers products such as fire extinguishers, machinery, construction materials and specialty chemicals that either contain, or are contained in, aluminum or steel. This expansion affects manufacturers who previously avoided Section 232 duties despite using steel or aluminum components.
The “steel derivative items” now subject to a 50 percent tariff include combined refrigerator-freezers, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, and cooking stoves, among other product categories. Major appliance categories now face these enhanced duties, significantly impacting consumer electronics and home appliance importers.
Recent Additions to Tariff Lists
Effective Date: On or after 12:01 a.m. EDT, August 18, 2025 · Scope: 407 additional HTSUS derivative products now covered under Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs · Duty Rate: 50% ad valorem on the value of the steel or aluminum content This represents the largest single expansion of Section 232 coverage since the program’s inception.
The 407 additional products include diverse categories from construction equipment to specialty chemicals. For such products, steel and aluminum tariffs based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232) will apply to the steel and aluminum content. The non-steel and non-aluminum content will remain subject to the reciprocal and other applicable tariffs. This creates complex calculations for products with mixed material compositions.
What Items Are Affected by the New Tariffs
The 2025 tariff measures affect virtually every major product category through various program combinations. Consumer goods face the baseline universal tariff plus any applicable country-specific or sector-specific measures. Industrial products often encounter multiple tariff layers creating cumulative duty rates exceeding 50% in some cases. Understanding specific product impacts requires analyzing the interaction between different tariff programs and their exemptions.
Consumer Electronics and Technology
Electronics products face a complex mix of tariffs and exemptions depending on their specific classification and semiconductor content. Smartphones and electronic integrated circuits, among other products, now qualify for the “semiconductor” exemption — though officials say sector-specific duties are still coming. This exemption provides significant relief for high-tech imports but creates classification challenges for products with mixed semiconductor and non-semiconductor components.
Products containing steel or aluminum components face the full Section 232 tariff rates on those material contents while semiconductor components remain exempt. Consumer appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers now face 50% tariffs on their steel content plus baseline rates on other components. Gaming consoles, televisions, and similar electronics may qualify for semiconductor exemptions if their primary function relates to semiconductor processing.
The electronics sector must navigate changing classification standards as authorities refine semiconductor exemption criteria. Products initially exempt may lose their status if officials determine their primary function doesn’t qualify for semiconductor treatment. Regular monitoring of classification updates becomes essential for electronics importers managing compliance costs.
Agricultural Products and Food Items
Agricultural imports face varying tariff treatment based on specific commodity classifications and existing exclusion programs. The 7.5% tariff from 2018 remains in place. (In other words, there are tariffs on books except for excepted Bibles and other religious books, and the suspended tariffs on children’s picture, drawing, or coloring books. This example illustrates how pre-existing tariffs continue alongside new measures.
Fresh produce typically faces the 10% baseline tariff unless covered by specific exclusions or seasonal agreements. Processed foods encounter more complex calculations when packaging contains steel or aluminum components subject to Section 232 duties. Canned goods face tariffs on both food content and metal container components at different rates.
On July 23, 2024, the State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) announced the extension of Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusions on 12 agricultural tariff lines, notably certain logs/lumber, whey for feed use, fishmeal for feed use, and alfalfa through February 28, 2025. These exclusions provide temporary relief but require regular renewal and monitoring.
Industrial Equipment and Machinery
Manufacturing equipment faces some of the highest cumulative tariff rates under current policies. Fabricated metal products face the highest average tariff rate (above 30 percent) due to their direct inclusion under the steel and aluminum tariff measures. Industrial machinery with significant steel content encounters both Section 232 duties and baseline tariffs creating substantial cost impacts.
Construction equipment, machine tools, and industrial processing equipment typically contain substantial steel and aluminum components subject to 50% tariffs. The remaining components face baseline universal tariffs plus any applicable country-specific measures. Complex machinery may require detailed materials analysis to calculate accurate duty rates across different component categories.
Manufacturers must consider tariff impacts when designing new equipment or reconfiguring supply chains. Alternative materials or manufacturing locations may reduce tariff exposure while maintaining performance requirements. Some companies have begun redesigning products to minimize steel and aluminum content or qualify for available exemptions.
China-Specific Tariff Measures
China faces the most comprehensive and highest tariff rates among all trading partners under current policies. These measures combine baseline universal tariffs, enhanced reciprocal rates, and specific anti-fentanyl duties creating cumulative rates exceeding 100% on many products. The elimination of de minimis exemptions for Chinese imports represents a fundamental shift affecting small shipments and e-commerce platforms significantly.
Enhanced Duties on Chinese Imports
President Trump implemented 20% tariffs on China to address the threat of the sustained influx of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, flowing from China into the United States. This anti-fentanyl tariff applies broadly to Chinese imports as part of comprehensive drug interdiction efforts. As of May 14, 2025, imports from … can reach 130%. These extremely high rates reflect the layering of multiple tariff programs against Chinese products.
The enhanced China tariffs combine several elements: the 10% universal baseline, 20% anti-fentanyl duties, existing Section 301 tariffs where applicable, and 50% Section 232 rates on steel, aluminum, and copper content. Products containing multiple affected materials face calculations across all applicable programs. Chinese manufacturers and U.S. importers must evaluate whether continued trade remains economically viable under these cumulative rates.
De Minimis Exemption Elimination
The elimination of de minimis exemptions for Chinese imports fundamentally changes small-shipment economics and e-commerce platforms. Previously, shipments under $800 entered duty-free regardless of origin, but Chinese shipments now face full tariff treatment at any value. This affects direct-to-consumer sales, small business imports, and express shipment services significantly.
E-commerce platforms must now collect and remit duties on all Chinese shipments creating administrative burdens and customer service challenges. Small businesses relying on Chinese suppliers for low-value components face new cost structures requiring pricing and sourcing adjustments. The measure aims to close perceived loopholes while generating revenue from previously exempt trade flows.
What Products Are Exempt from China Tariffs
Despite comprehensive coverage, several important exemption programs provide relief from China tariffs for specific products and time-limited periods. These exclusions require active management and regular renewal applications to maintain their benefits. Understanding available exemptions helps businesses minimize tariff exposure while maintaining necessary supply chains from Chinese sources.
Current Exclusion Programs
Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the extension of exclusions in the Section 301 Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on May 31, 2025. The exclusions have been extended through August 31, 2025. These Section 301 exclusions provide temporary relief for specific products deemed essential or lacking alternative sources.
The exclusion process requires detailed applications demonstrating that products are not available from alternative sources or serve critical functions in U.S. supply chains. Approved exclusions typically last for limited periods requiring renewal applications to maintain benefits. Companies must monitor exclusion lists regularly and prepare renewal documentation well before expiration dates.
Exclusion eligibility considers factors including availability of alternative suppliers, product criticality to U.S. manufacturing, economic impact of tariffs, and national security implications. Products with readily available non-Chinese alternatives typically don’t qualify for exclusions while specialized items with limited global sources receive more favorable consideration.
Semiconductor and Technology Exemptions
Technology products containing qualifying semiconductor components receive broad exemptions from reciprocal tariffs but may still face other duty programs. The semiconductor exemption recognizes the critical importance of these components to U.S. technology industries and the limited alternative sources available globally. However, exemption criteria continue evolving as officials refine qualification standards.
Products must demonstrate that their primary function relates to semiconductor processing, storage, or transmission to qualify for exemptions. Mixed-use products containing both semiconductor and non-semiconductor components face complex classification decisions. Customs authorities evaluate products on a case-by-case basis when exemption eligibility isn’t clearly established.
Also Read: Top 5 Global Logistics and Shipping Challenges Impacting the Chemical Industry in 2025
What Products Are Affected by the Tariffs – Industry Impact Analysis!
The cumulative effect of 2025 tariff measures varies dramatically across industry sectors based on their import dependence, supply chain complexity, and product classifications. Manufacturing industries face the highest average tariff rates due to steel and aluminum content requirements. Consumer goods sectors encounter significant cost pressures affecting pricing strategies and sourcing decisions. Service industries experience indirect impacts through higher input costs and supply chain disruptions.
Manufacturing and Industrial Sectors
The most affected industries are in manufacturing, particularly those with strong exposure to imports from China and North America. Automotive manufacturers face tariffs on steel components, electronic systems, and assembly equipment creating cumulative cost pressures. Aerospace companies encounter duties on aluminum components, specialized alloys, and manufacturing equipment affecting both production costs and delivery schedules.
Chemical manufacturers face tariffs on raw materials, processing equipment, and specialty compounds used in production processes. The inclusion of specialty chemicals in expanded Section 232 coverage particularly impacts companies relying on imported intermediates. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must evaluate tariff impacts on active ingredients, packaging materials, and production equipment sourced globally.
Construction equipment manufacturers encounter some of the highest tariff rates due to high steel content and Chinese sourcing patterns. Road construction machinery, excavation equipment, and material handling systems face multiple tariff layers affecting competitiveness against domestic alternatives. Some manufacturers have begun relocating production or redesigning products to reduce tariff exposure.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Retail sectors face varying impacts depending on their product mix and sourcing patterns. Apparel importers generally face only baseline tariffs unless products contain affected metal components like zippers or fasteners. Electronics retailers must navigate semiconductor exemptions while managing tariffs on non-qualifying components and accessories.
Home improvement retailers encounter significant impacts from expanded steel and aluminum derivative coverage. Tools, hardware, appliances, and building materials now face enhanced tariffs affecting inventory costs and pricing strategies. Furniture retailers importing steel-framed or aluminum products must recalculate pricing models to maintain profitability.
Automotive aftermarket retailers face tariffs on replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance equipment. Steel brake components, aluminum wheels, and electronic accessories encounter different tariff rates requiring complex pricing adjustments. Some retailers have shifted sourcing to domestic suppliers or alternative countries to reduce tariff exposure.
Agricultural and Food Processing
Food processing companies face tariffs on packaging materials, processing equipment, and certain agricultural inputs depending on their sources. Aluminum cans and steel containers now carry 50% tariffs on metal content affecting packaging costs across multiple product categories. Processing equipment imports encounter baseline tariffs plus any applicable sector-specific duties.
Fresh produce importers typically face only baseline tariffs but must monitor exclusion programs and seasonal agreements that may provide relief. Organic food companies importing certified ingredients must evaluate whether tariff costs offset organic premium pricing. Specialty food importers face complex calculations when products contain mixed components subject to different tariff rates.
Conclusion
The 2025 tariff landscape presents unprecedented complexity for businesses managing international trade relationships and supply chain costs. Understanding what products are affected by tariffs requires continuous monitoring of multiple overlapping programs, exemption opportunities, and regulatory changes. Companies must develop sophisticated compliance systems while exploring strategic alternatives to high-tariff sourcing patterns.
Success in this environment demands proactive tariff management combining accurate classification, strategic sourcing, and regulatory compliance expertise. Businesses that effectively navigate these challenges will maintain competitive advantages while others struggle with unexpected cost increases and compliance issues. The tariff impact extends beyond direct duties to encompass supply chain redesign, pricing strategy adjustments, and fundamental business model changes across affected industries.
For comprehensive trade compliance support and strategic sourcing solutions in this complex tariff environment, Elchemy provides expert guidance on classification, exemption management, and alternative supply chain development to minimize your tariff exposure.
