US Tariff Shock: 50% Duty Hike on 8 Appliance Categories Hits Exporters

Breaking: Sudden Policy Shift Targets Home Appliances

8 Affected Product Categories (with HTSUS Codes)

1. Combination refrigerators/freezers (HTSUS 8418.10.00)
2. Dryers (small & large): HTSUS 8451.21.00 / 8451.29.00
3. Washing machines: HTSUS 8450.11.00 / 8450.20.00
4. Dishwashers: HTSUS 8422.11.00
5. Chest & upright freezers: HTSUS 8418.30.00 / 8418.40.00
6. Gas/solid fuel stoves/ovens: HTSUS 8516.60.40
7. Food waste disposers: HTS 8509.80.20
8. Welded wire racks: HTS 9403.99.9020

Tariff Calculation Changes

• Pre-June 23: Tariff rate = 301 Duty + Fentanyl Duty + Countervailing Duty
• Post-June 23: Tariff rate = 301 Duty + Fentanyl Duty + Section 232 Steel Derivative Duty (ad valorem based on steel content)

Policy Background: Escalating Tariff Measures

1. June 3, 2025: Proclamation 10947 raised Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs from 25% to 50%, exempting only UK products.
2. Expanded Definition: The new policy extends “steel derivatives” to end-use appliances, aiming to protect domestic manufacturing.

Impact on Chinese Exporters

• Cost Surge: Steel components account for 20-40% of product value in Chinese appliance exports to the US (2024 data).
• Hardest Hit: White goods manufacturers, cross-border e-commerce supply chains, and SMEs reliant on US markets.

Urgent Response Strategies for Businesses

1. Tariff Engineering:
   • Re-evaluate product composition to minimize steel content.
   • Explore tariff exclusion applications via CBP channels.
2. Supply Chain Diversification:
   • Shift production to SE Asia or Mexico to bypass tariffs.
   • Negotiate cost-sharing agreements with US importers.
3. Legal & Compliance Measures:
   • Engage customs brokers to verify HTSUS classification accuracy.
   • Monitor steel content valuation by CBP during import declaration.

Official Notices (Click to Access)

• Proclamation 10896 (June 16, 2025)
• Proclamation 10895 (Aluminum Tariffs)
• Proclamation 10947 (50% Tariff Hike)