April 8, 2025 Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China - Executive Order
- Fact Seeker
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
This executive order increases tariffs on imports from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in response to retaliatory measures announced by the PRC following prior U.S. actions aimed at addressing trade imbalances and national security concerns. The changes expand on Executive Orders 14256 and 14257, issued on April 2, 2025, which addressed persistent trade deficits and the role of Chinese low-value imports in undermining U.S. security and industry.
Background and Rationale: The order cites a national emergency related to chronic U.S. trade deficits and foreign trade practices that threaten national and economic security. Following the announcement of a 34% tariff on U.S. goods by the PRC (effective April 10, 2025), the United States is responding by escalating its tariff rates.
Key Provisions:
Tariff Rate Increases on Chinese Goods:
The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is amended to raise existing tariffs from 34% to 84% on designated imports from the PRC.
These changes apply to goods entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 9, 2025.
Increased Tariffs on Low-Value (De Minimis) Chinese Imports:
The ad valorem duty on certain de minimis items, initially set at 30%, is increased to 90%.
Postal shipment duties are raised as follows:
From $25 to $75 per item for the period May 2 to May 31, 2025.
From $50 to $150 per item beginning June 1, 2025.
Implementation Measures:
The Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and U.S. Trade Representative, among others, are tasked with executing the new tariff changes.
Agencies are authorized to suspend or amend regulations and adopt new rules as necessary under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Legal and Administrative Provisions:
The order does not alter existing legal authorities or budgetary responsibilities and is subject to legal constraints and funding availability.
It does not create enforceable legal rights for private parties.
Legal Basis: The order is issued under several statutes, including:
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)
National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)
Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2483)
3 U.S.C. § 301 (delegation of Presidential functions)
Context: This escalation is part of a broader strategy to address what the administration views as unfair trade practices and national security threats stemming from the PRC's trade behavior. The order aims to prevent circumvention of U.S. tariffs via low-value imports and reinforces the administration’s emphasis on reciprocal trade policies.
Writer's Note: Summary made with the use of AI tools for editing and quick processing, facts checked against the order before publishing.
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