Import Duty Rates by Country: Complete U.S. Reference
U.S. import duty rates for top 20 trading partners: MFN averages, Section 301/232/122 applicability, FTA status, and effective tariff rates by country.
Co-Founder of GingerControl, Building scalable AI and automated workflows for trade compliance teams.
Connect with me on LinkedIn! I want to help you :)What Are the Current U.S. Import Duty Rates by Country?
As of March 2026, U.S. import duty rates vary dramatically by country. China faces the highest effective tariff rate at 33.9% (per Penn Wharton Budget Model), driven by Section 301 tariffs stacking on top of MFN rates and the 10% Section 122 surcharge. Canada and Mexico (USMCA-qualifying goods) face less than 5% effective rates. Most other countries face MFN base rates plus the 10% Section 122 surcharge, totaling 10-16% for typical products.
Which Countries Have the Lowest Import Tariffs into the U.S.?
Canada and Mexico have the lowest effective rates for goods qualifying under USMCA (exempt from Section 122, many products duty-free). Among non-FTA partners, countries without Section 301 exposure (everyone except China) face only MFN + 10% Section 122, typically 10-16%. Australia has a full Section 232 exemption on steel and aluminum, making it the lowest-cost source for metal products.
The post-IEEPA tariff landscape has simplified in one way (flat 10% Section 122 for everyone) and remained complex in another (Section 232 and Section 301 still create massive country-specific variation). This reference page gives you the tariff profile for each of the top 20 U.S. trading partners, so you can compare sourcing options at a glance.
Last updated: March 2026
Complete Tariff Profile: Top 20 U.S. Trading Partners
The table below shows the tariff layers that apply to goods from each country. "Sec 122" shows whether the 10% surcharge applies. "Sec 301" shows the China-specific tariff. "Sec 232" shows whether steel/aluminum/copper/auto tariffs apply. "FTA" shows whether the country has a free trade agreement with the U.S.
| Country | 2025 Imports ($B) | Avg MFN Rate | Sec 301 | Sec 232 (Metals) | Sec 232 (Autos) | Sec 122 | FTA | Effective Rate (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $433.5 | 0-4% avg | No | 50% | 25% | Exempt (USMCA) | USMCA | <5% |
| China | $308.4 | 3% avg | 7.5-100% | 50% | N/A | 10% | None | 33.9% |
| Canada | $356.3 | 0-4% avg | No | 50% | 25% | Exempt (USMCA) | USMCA | <5% |
| Vietnam | ~$120 | 0-20% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~12% |
| Japan | $146.0 | 0-6% avg | No | 50% | 15% (deal) | 10% | None (framework) | ~12% |
| South Korea | ~$115 | 0-8% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | KORUS FTA | ~8% |
| Germany/EU | ~$145 | 0-12% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None (framework) | ~12% |
| Taiwan | ~$95 | 0-6% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~12% |
| India | ~$80 | 0-20% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None (interim deal) | ~13% |
| Ireland | ~$60 | 0-6% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~11% |
| Thailand | ~$55 | 0-8% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~12% |
| Malaysia | ~$45 | 0-5% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~11% |
| Indonesia | ~$30 | 0-10% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~12% |
| Switzerland | ~$50 | 0-6% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None (framework) | ~11% |
| Brazil | ~$35 | 0-14% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~13% |
| United Kingdom | ~$60 | 0-12% | No | 25% (deal) | 25% | 10% | None (EPD) | ~12% |
| Australia | ~$15 | 0-5% | No | Exempt | 25% | 10% | AUSFTA | ~6% |
| Israel | ~$25 | 0-8% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | US-Israel FTA | ~8% |
| Colombia | ~$15 | 0-8% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | US-Colombia TPA | ~7% |
| Bangladesh | ~$8 | 10-32% | No | 50% | 25% | 10% | None | ~25% |
Notes on the table:
- Effective rates are estimated averages across all product categories. Your specific product's rate depends on its HTS code.
- USMCA-qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico are exempt from Section 122. Non-qualifying goods face the full 10% surcharge plus MFN rates.
- Nearly 85% of imports from Canada and Mexico claimed USMCA exemption as of January 2026, per Penn Wharton data.
- "Framework" countries (Japan, EU, Switzerland) had bilateral deals under IEEPA that set specific rates; the IEEPA-dependent provisions were voided by the Supreme Court, but Section 232 provisions remain.
- The UK's Economic Prosperity Deal reduced Section 232 steel/aluminum to 25% (vs. 50% for most countries).
- Australia is the only country with a full Section 232 steel/aluminum exemption.
How Tariff Layers Stack by Country Type
To make this actionable, here is how the tariff layers combine for different country categories:
China (highest tariff burden)
| Layer | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| MFN base | 0-48% (varies by product) |
| Section 301 | 7.5-100% (Lists 1-4A) |
| Section 122 | 10% |
| Section 232 (metals) | 50% (exempt from Sec 122) |
| Typical total (non-metal) | 35-45% |
USMCA Countries (lowest tariff burden)
| Layer | Rate |
|---|---|
| MFN base | 0% (qualifying goods) |
| Section 301 | 0% |
| Section 122 | Exempt |
| Section 232 (metals) | 50% (auto: 25%) |
| MPF | Exempt (under FTA) |
| Typical total (qualifying) | 0% |
Standard Countries (most of the world)
| Layer | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| MFN base | 0-20% (varies by product) |
| Section 301 | 0% |
| Section 122 | 10% |
| Section 232 (metals) | 50% (exempt from Sec 122) |
| Typical total (non-metal) | 10-16% |
FTA Partners (Korea, Australia, Israel, Colombia, etc.)
| Layer | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| MFN/preferential | 0% (many products) |
| Section 301 | 0% |
| Section 122 | 10% (unless CAFTA-DR textile exemption) |
| Section 232 (metals) | 50% (Australia exempt) |
| MPF | Exempt (under FTA) |
| Typical total | 0-12% |
What Makes Each Country's Tariff Profile Unique?
China: Section 301 dominance
China is the only country subject to Section 301 tariffs. For approximately 65% of Chinese imports (Lists 1-4A), these tariffs add 7.5% to 100% on top of MFN rates. The remaining 35% (List 4B, suspended) are exempt from Section 301 but still face the 10% Section 122 surcharge. Section 301 is the defining feature of China's tariff profile.
Mexico and Canada: USMCA advantage
Goods that qualify under USMCA rules of origin enter duty-free and are exempt from Section 122. This creates a powerful incentive for nearshoring. However, USMCA qualification requires meeting specific rules of origin (regional value content, tariff shift requirements), and not all goods qualify. Non-qualifying goods from Mexico and Canada face the same Section 122 surcharge as any other country.
South Korea: KORUS FTA
The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) eliminates duties on most goods and exempts qualifying imports from MPF. South Korea also has a trade framework agreement, but KORUS provides the primary tariff advantage. For products that qualify under KORUS, Korea is one of the lowest-cost sourcing options.
Australia: Steel/aluminum exemption
Australia is the only country with a full exemption from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. This makes Australia uniquely attractive for metal product sourcing, though Australia's production volumes are limited. The U.S.-Australia FTA also eliminates duties on most goods.
Vietnam: The China+1 alternative
Vietnam has no Section 301 tariffs and no FTA with the U.S. Goods face MFN + 10% Section 122, typically totaling 10-16% for non-metal products. Vietnam has become the primary beneficiary of supply chain diversification away from China, but new Section 301 investigations launched in March 2026 (covering excess manufacturing capacity) include Vietnam, which could change its tariff profile.
GingerControl is a trade compliance AI platform that helps importers, exporters, and customs brokers classify products, simulate tariff costs, and track policy changes. The Tariff Calculator lets you compare duty rates across 200+ countries for any HTS code, with every tariff layer displayed separately.
What Happens When Section 122 Expires?
The 10% Section 122 surcharge expires on July 24, 2026, unless Congress votes to extend it. If it expires without replacement:
- China drops from ~35% average to ~25% (Section 301 + MFN remains)
- Standard countries drop from ~12% to ~2-6% (MFN only)
- USMCA countries see no change (already exempt)
- Section 232 products see no change (already exempt from Section 122)
However, the administration has launched new Section 301 investigations into 16+ economies that could produce replacement tariffs. Importers should not assume the tariff landscape will simply revert to pre-Section 122 rates.
FAQ
Which country has the lowest import tariffs to the U.S.?
For most product categories, Canada and Mexico (USMCA-qualifying goods) have the lowest effective tariff rates, often 0%. Among non-USMCA partners, Australia and South Korea (KORUS FTA) offer the lowest rates, typically 0-8% for qualifying goods. For metal products specifically, Australia is the only country exempt from Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs.
Does every country face the Section 122 surcharge?
Nearly every country faces the 10% Section 122 surcharge, with three categories of exceptions: (1) USMCA-qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico, (2) products already subject to Section 232 tariffs (steel, aluminum, copper, autos), and (3) specific product categories listed in Annex II of the Section 122 proclamation (critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, certain electronics).
Why is China's effective tariff rate so much higher than other countries?
Section 301 tariffs. China is the only country currently subject to Section 301 tariffs, which add 7.5% to 100% on top of MFN rates for approximately 65% of Chinese imports. No other country faces this layer. Remove Section 301, and China's rate would be comparable to other standard trading partners.
Are there any countries completely exempt from U.S. tariffs?
No country is completely exempt from all U.S. tariffs. However, for products qualifying under USMCA (Canada and Mexico), the effective tariff rate can be 0% on most goods, with Section 232 tariffs applying only to steel, aluminum, copper, and automobiles.
How do I compare tariff rates for my specific product across countries?
Use GingerControl's Tariff Calculator. Enter your 10-digit HTS code and the calculator shows the full tariff stack (MFN, Section 301, Section 232, Section 122, fees) for each country of origin. The side-by-side view lets you compare 200+ countries instantly with date-sensitive rates.
Will the new Section 301 investigations change tariff rates for countries besides China?
Potentially. On March 11, 2026, USTR launched Section 301 investigations into structural excess manufacturing capacity in 16+ economies including the EU, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. If USTR determines that unfair practices exist, new Section 301 tariffs could be imposed on these countries, fundamentally changing their tariff profiles.
The gap between China's tariff burden and the rest of the world has never been wider. For importers evaluating sourcing alternatives, the country of origin is now a cost variable as significant as the unit price itself.
GingerControl's Tariff Calculator shows you the full tariff stack for any HTS code across 200+ countries: MFN, Section 301, Section 232, Section 122, and processing fees. Try it free →
References
[REF 1] Penn Wharton Budget Model -- Effective Tariff Rates and Revenues (March 16, 2026) Data cited: China ETR (33.9%), Canada/Mexico ETR (<5%), overall ETR (10.3%), steel/aluminum ETR (41.1%), USMCA utilization rate (85%) Source: Effective Tariff Rates Published: March 16, 2026
[REF 2] Yale Budget Lab -- State of Tariffs: March 9, 2026 Data cited: Current ETR (10.5%), highest since 1943, Section 122 expiration scenarios, household impact ($450-$570) Source: State of Tariffs Published: March 9, 2026
[REF 3] Tax Foundation -- Tariff Tracker: 2026 Trump Tariffs Data cited: Section 122 timeline, new Section 301 investigations (March 11, 2026), 16+ economies under investigation, ETR projections Source: Tariff Tracker
[REF 4] Global Trade Alert -- Section 122 in Effect: What the US Tariff Regime Looks Like Now Data cited: Trade-weighted average tariff rates across four scenarios, country-level comparisons for top 20 import sources Source: S122 US Tariff Estimates
[REF 5] Global Trade Alert -- From IEEPA to Section 122 Data cited: Flat 10% replacing country-specific rates, bilateral deal fate, CAFTA-DR exemption, Annex II exception list Source: From IEEPA to Section 122 Published: February 2026
[REF 6] USTR -- Country Pages (China, Japan) Data cited: 2025 import values by country Source: USTR Countries
[REF 7] Congressional Research Service -- U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement (IN12608) Data cited: Japan auto tariff (15%), Section 232 steel/aluminum at 50%, Japan investment commitments Source: IN12608
[REF 8] Congressional Research Service -- Expanded Section 232 Tariffs (IN12519) Data cited: UK 25% steel/aluminum rate, EU framework, Australia exemption, June 2025 rate increase to 50% Source: IN12519
[REF 9] Covington & Burling -- IEEPA Tariffs Terminated Data cited: Section 122 exemptions (USMCA, Section 232 products, Annex II list), 150-day expiration Source: IEEPA Terminated Published: February 2026
Written by
Chen Cui
Co-Founder of GingerControl
Building scalable AI and automated workflows for trade compliance teams.
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