U.S. Revokes 91% of Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Suspends 24% of Retaliatory Measures

The U.S. has made significant adjustments to its tariff policies on Chinese goods, effective from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2025. According to the Executive Order on Amending Import Tariff Rates to Reflect the Status of Negotiations with the People's Republic of China, the U.S. has revoked 91% of the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods under Executive Order No. 14259 and Executive Order No. 14266. These orders, issued on April 8 and April 9, 2025, respectively, had previously imposed additional tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports.

In addition to the revocation of these tariffs, the U.S. has also modified the retaliatory tariff measures imposed on Chinese goods under Executive Order No. 14257, dated April 2, 2025. Specifically, 24% of these tariffs have been suspended for a period of 90 days, while the remaining 10% will continue to be enforced. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to ease trade tensions and facilitate ongoing negotiations between the two countries.

Furthermore, the U.S. has lowered or removed tariffs on small packages from China. The international mail ad valorem rate has been reduced from 120% to 54%, and the planned increase in volume tax from $100 to $200 per package, scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2025, has been canceled. This move is aimed at simplifying customs procedures and reducing the financial burden on small businesses and individual consumers who frequently import goods from China.

These tariff adjustments reflect a strategic shift in the U.S.'s approach to trade with China. By revoking a significant portion of the previously imposed tariffs and suspending others, the U.S. is signaling a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually beneficial solutions to longstanding trade disputes. The reduction in tariffs on small packages further demonstrates a commitment to supporting cross-border e-commerce and facilitating the flow of goods between the two economies.

Analysts suggest that these changes could have far-reaching implications for both the U.S. and Chinese economies. For the U.S., the revocation of tariffs may lead to increased imports from China, potentially benefiting consumers with lower prices and greater product availability. For China, the easing of tariff measures could provide a boost to its export sector, which has been under pressure due to the ongoing trade tensions. However, the long-term impact of these adjustments will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and the broader geopolitical dynamics between the two countries.