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2025 U.S. tariff changes

2025 U.S. tariffs

Stay informed on key trade policy updates affecting cross-border ecommerce.

Note: Please check back regularly for the latest updates and review the Tariff update timeline below for a chronological overview of changes.

About the tariffs 

The U.S. government introduced these tariffs to address trade imbalances, protect domestic industries, and respond to trade actions by other countries. Additionally, new tariffs on Canadian- and Mexican-made goods have been introduced as part of broader policy efforts related to trade and border security.

These policies are evolving, and businesses should stay informed to adapt their strategies and ensure compliance.

For the latest status and implementation dates of specific tariffs, see the Tariff status table below. For more details on why these changes were introduced, refer to the Tariff update timeline, which provides a chronological breakdown of key announcements.

Tariff status 

Below is a summary of newly announced and pending tariffs that affect ecommerce shipments, along with their current status:

TariffRateStatusNotes
Steel and aluminum imports (global)25%ActiveStarts March 12, 2025
Reciprocal Tariff PlanTBDScheduledStarts April 2, 2025
Canadian-made goods25%PausedNo duty on shipments under 800 USD for now
Mexican-made goods25%PausedNo duty on shipments under 800 USD for now
Chinese-made goods20%ActiveNo duty on shipments under 800 USD for now
De minimis exemption* for Chinese-, Canadian-, and Mexican-made goodsN/AActiveUntil CBP updates systems
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods25%ActiveApplies to 30 billion in goods
Mexico's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goodsTBDPausedPending negotiations

*De minimis exemption allows low-value shipments (under 800 USD) to enter duty-free. If the table states "de minimis exemption removed," this means de minimis no longer applies in that context—whether to goods made in that country, shipments from that country, or a specific tariff—so all affected shipments are subject to duties.

Tariff update timeline 

The following timeline provides an up-to-date chronological overview of key tariff announcements, their impact, and ongoing negotiations.

March 13, 2025

Expanded - Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods: Canada has expanded its 25% surtax to include 539 additional HS codes, further increasing the impact on U.S. exporters. The updated list now covers a wider range of goods. See the comprehensive list here.

March 12, 2025

Implemented - 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports: The 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. from all countries is now in effect.

March 6, 2025

Postponed - Tariffs on Canadian- and Mexican-made goods: The U.S. government has rolled back the newly implemented tariffs on all Canadian- and Mexican-made goods, citing ongoing trade negotiations. The 25% tariffs, which took effect on March 4, 2025, have been suspended until further notice.

March 4, 2025

Implemented - Tariffs on Canadian-, Mexican-, and Chinese-made goods: The 25% tariffs on Canadian- and Mexican-made goods and the 20% tariff on Chinese-made goods are now in effect.

Implemented - Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods: In response to the reinstated 25% tariffs on Canadian-made goods, Canada has enacted retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. products, effective immediately. These countermeasures target key industries and are intended to pressure the U.S. to reverse its tariff policy.

March 3, 2025

Announced - 20% tariff on Chinese-made goods: A new Executive Order increases tariffs on Chinese-made goods from 10% to 20%, effective March 4, 2025, in addition to the existing tariffs imposed during the previous Trump administration. The order cites China's failure to take action against the synthetic opioid supply chain as the justification for the tariff increase.

March 2, 2025

Extended - De minimis exemption for Chinese-, Canadian-, and Mexican-made goods: The U.S. government confirmed that de minimis treatment for shipments under $800 USD will remain in place until U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upgrades its processing systems to fully and efficiently collect tariff revenue. Once CBP has these systems in place, duty-free de minimis treatment will be revoked for covered imports.

February 27, 2025

Announced - Additional 10% tariff on Chinese-made imports: President Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on all imported Chinese-made goods, effectively increasing the total tariff rate to 20% for these products as of March 4, 2025. This is in addition to the existing 10% tariff implemented earlier in February. The decision aims to address concerns over China's role in the fentanyl trade.

February 24, 2025

Announced - Tariffs on Canadian- and Mexican-made goods to resume: President Trump confirmed that the previously paused tariffs on goods made in Canada and Mexico will proceed on March 4, 2025. This includes a 25% tariff on most Canadian- and Mexican-made products and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports. Additionally, the de minimis exemption for Canadian- and Mexican-origin goods will be removed, meaning low-value shipments (under 800 USD) from these countries will no longer enter the U.S. duty-free.

February 13, 2025

Announced - Reciprocal Tariff Plan: The U.S. government announced plans for a Reciprocal Tariff Plan through an executive order designed to match the duties that other nations impose on U.S. goods. The reciprocal tariffs aim to establish fair trade by aligning U.S. tariffs with those levied by other countries on American products. This policy is expected to introduce new tariff structures affecting multiple trade partners, with a pending effective date of April 2, 2025.

February 10, 2025

Announced - 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imports globally: The U.S. government announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, scheduled for implementation on March 12, 2025.

Implemented - China retaliatory tariffs: China's retaliatory tariffs of 10% and 15% on select U.S. goods took effect, including 10% tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and vehicles, and 15% on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

February 7, 2025

Reinstated - De minimis exemption for Chinese-made goods: The U.S. temporarily reinstated de minimis treatment for Chinese-made goods under 800 USD until U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updates its processing systems to handle tariff collections properly.

February 4, 2025

Implemented - 10% tariff on Chinese-made imports: The previously announced 10% tariff on all Chinese-made imports took effect.

Implemented - De minimis exemption removal for Chinese-made imports: The 10% tariff took effect on all Chinese-made imports, including low-value shipments (under 800 USD) that were previously exempt. This tariff is in addition to those implemented during the first Trump administration.

Announced - China's retaliatory tariffs: China announced retaliatory tariffs of 10% and 15% on select U.S. goods, effective February 10, 2025, and also filed a case against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.

February 3, 2025

Paused - Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports: Following discussions with Canadian and Mexican leaders, the U.S. paused the planned tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico for one month. Ongoing negotiations have led Canada and Mexico to commit to enhancing border security and tackling fentanyl smuggling in exchange for a potential reduction or delay in tariff enforcement.

February 1, 2025

Announced - Tariffs on Canadian- and Mexican-made goods: The U.S. announced 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, with energy resources subject to a 10% tariff. These tariffs were introduced to pressure both countries to strengthen border security, immigration control, and anti-drug trafficking efforts.

Announced - 10% tariff on Chinese-made imports: President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, effective February 4, 2025. This measure aims to pressure China to take action against fentanyl smuggling into the United States.

Announced - De minimis exemption removal for low-value shipments (under 800 USD) of Chinese-made goods: President Trump signed an Executive Order eliminating the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments (under $800 USD) from China and Hong Kong, making them subject to the new 10% tariff and any outstanding tariffs.

Impact on ecommerce 

De minimis

  • The removal of the de minimis for Mexican-, Canadian-, and Chinese-origin goods is on hold temporarily.
  • The U.S. de minimis remains 800 USD for all other imports.

New U.S. tariffs

  • 🇨🇳 China-origin goods to U.S.: 20% new tariffs on imports. (paused for orders below the 800 USD de minimis until adequate systems are in place for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to fully and efficiently process and collect these tariffs).

  • 🇨🇦 Canada-origin goods to U.S.: 25% tariff on imports, except for energy or energy resources, which will instead be subject to a 10% tariff.

  • 🇲🇽 Mexico-origin goods to U.S.: 25% tariff.

Retaliatory tariffs

  • Canada has placed a 25% retaliatory tariff on billions of dollars of American goods
  • Mexico announced plans of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, but have not solidified anything specific yet.

Impact on ecommerce merchants 

Important notice

Clearance of goods and transit times may be delayed as customs and border agencies adjust to these changes.

For businesses shipping to the U.S.

  • De minimis exemption status: Goods valued under 800 USD can still enter duty-free, but this may change. See the Tariff Status Table for the latest updates.

  • Tariffs apply based on origin, not shipping location: For example, A product made in China but shipped from France to the U.S. will still incur the 10% tariff, whereas a product made in Indonesia but shipped from China would not.

  • Increased landed cost: New tariffs raise the total cost of goods, potentially affecting pricing and profit margins. Merchants should assess how these changes impact product pricing strategies.

  • Enhanced customs compliance: More shipments will require detailed documentation and correct tariff classifications to avoid delays or unexpected fees.

For U.S. merchants shipping to Canada and Mexico

  • Canada's retaliatory tariffs are active: The 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods entering Canada are active.
  • Mexico's retaliatory tariffs not yet announced: Mexico has not solidified their retaliatory tariffs, though they are expected. See the Tariff Status Table for updates.

For all merchants navigating international trade

  • Consider origin labeling: Ensure product origin is clearly documented to avoid unexpected tariff costs.

  • Re-evaluate sourcing strategies: If your business relies on manufacturing in China, Canada, or Mexico, consider diversifying supply chains to mitigate risk.

  • Stay updated on policy changes: Trade negotiations are evolving, and tariffs may be modified or adjusted. See the Tariff Update Timeline for the latest developments.

For Zonos customers

Zonos automatically updates duty and tax calculations to reflect these tariff changes, ensuring shoppers see the accurate landed cost at checkout, helping you stay compliant and informed, and minimizing disruptions to your business.

Not using Zonos yet?

Stay ahead of changing trade policies and ensure your customers see accurate landed costs at checkout. Zonos automates duty and tax calculations, helping you navigate new tariffs seamlessly. Book a demo to find out more.

Tariffs with limited impact on ecommerce 

Some newly announced or proposed trade measures may have minimal direct effects on ecommerce, but businesses in related sectors or those dependent on affected industries should still monitor developments. These tariffs could impact supply chains, logistics, or overall market conditions, indirectly influencing ecommerce operations:

  • 50%-100% duty on Canadian automobile imports to the U.S.: Primarily affects the automotive industry and related suppliers.

  • Unspecified tariffs on the European Union: The impact is unknown but could affect various goods and industries.

  • 25% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber: May affect technology, construction, and medical supply markets.

  • 10% tariffs on Canadian-made energy resources: While not directly affecting ecommerce, changes in energy costs could influence shipping, production, and supply chain expenses.

  • China's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports: Effective February 10, 2025, China imposed:

    • 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

    • 10% tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and vehicles.

    • Additional trade measures include export restrictions on critical minerals, an antitrust investigation into Google, and the addition of two U.S. companies to China's Unreliable Entity List.

While these tariffs primarily affect energy, agriculture, and automotive industries, potential ripple effects on logistics and supply chains could impact ecommerce businesses that rely on these markets.

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