China Tariff by HS Code 2026: China’s Import Tariff Updates for Foreign Suppliers
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On January 1, 2026, China implemented its annual tariff adjustment. While the U.S. continues to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, China moved in a different direction—lowering duties on 935 items while removing temporary reductions on others.
For Alibaba buyers, these changes matter. China’s import tariffs affect what Chinese manufacturers pay for raw materials and components. When input costs change, export prices follow.
This guide explains the 2026 tariff changes and how they indirectly affect your sourcing costs.
What Changed on January 1, 2026
935 Items Still Enjoy Lower Tariffs
The 2026 adjustment maintains 935 products under temporary tariff rates—the same number as 2025. The difference lies in which products are included.
14 New Items Added
China added 14 product categories to the temporary tariff list, lowering their import duties:
| Product | MFN Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-aviation kerosene | 9% | 0% |
| Artificial blood vessels | 4% | 2% |
| Medical-use angular contact ball bearings | 8% | 4% |
| XR device OLED display modules | ~20% | 1% |
| Diagnostic test kits (hepatitis, HIV, syphilis) | 3% | 0% |
| Carbon fiber prepreg for aircraft | 17% | 10% |
| Lithium-ion battery recycled black powder | 6.5% | 3% |
These reductions target three areas:
- High-tech manufacturing: Pressure machine components, gas purifiers, and specialty materials
- Green energy: Bio-aviation kerosene and lithium battery recycling materials
- Healthcare: Artificial blood vessels and diagnostic test kits
14 Items Removed from Temporary Rates
China also removed temporary tariff status from 14 items, restoring full MFN rates:
| Product | Restored Rate |
|---|---|
| Frozen Atlantic/Pacific/Southern bluefin tuna | 7% |
| Fresh cranberries, blueberries | 30% |
| Dried cranberries | 25% |
| Sulfuric acid | 5% |
| Ski boots | 14% |
| Textile printing machines | 10% |
These removals reflect improved domestic supply conditions—China no longer needs to encourage imports of these goods.
The Indirect Effect on Alibaba Buyers
How China’s Import Tariffs Affect Export Prices
Chinese manufacturers import raw materials and components. When China lowers import tariffs on these inputs, production costs decrease. When tariffs rise, costs increase.
Example 1: Lithium-ion batteries
China reduced the tariff on recycled black powder (a lithium battery material) from 6.5% to 3%. This lowers battery manufacturers’ input costs, which may stabilize or reduce export prices for power banks, EVs, and cordless tools.
Example 2: Semiconductor production
Tariffs on gas purifiers and constant temperature/humidity control devices were reduced. This lowers semiconductor production costs, potentially affecting pricing of electronic components exported from China.
When Input Costs Rise
When China removes temporary tariff status—as with sulfuric acid (restored to 5%)—the cost of that input rises for Chinese manufacturers. If your product relies heavily on that material, your supplier’s costs may increase.
Research Context
Academic research confirms that import tariffs affect domestic market prices. One study found that when China raises import tariffs on foreign goods, domestic product prices tend to increase. This is because higher import costs get passed through the supply chain.
How This Affects Your Sourcing Strategy
Monitor Raw Material Categories
If your product uses materials that China has reduced tariffs on, expect downward pressure on supplier costs. If it uses items that lost tariff reductions—like certain agricultural or chemical products—expect possible cost increases.
Supplier Pricing May Lag
Suppliers may not adjust prices immediately when input costs change. They may absorb savings or pass them on gradually. Ask suppliers about their raw material costs if you notice price changes.
Separate Factors
These Chinese import tariff changes are separate from U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Chinese suppliers face both:
- Their own input costs (affected by China’s import tariffs)
- The tariffs your shipment pays when entering the U.S. (Section 301, MFN, etc.)
Your landed cost depends on both.
Conclusion
China’s 2026 tariff adjustment reduced duties on high-tech components, medical products, and green energy materials. It removed reductions on items where domestic supply now meets demand.
For Alibaba buyers, these changes create indirect effects through supplier input costs. They do not change the tariff rates your shipments pay when entering your destination country. But they help explain price movements in the Chinese export market.
Use this information to understand your supplier’s cost structure. And always check your own destination country’s tariff rates before confirming any order.