U.S. and China Publish Lists Recommending Tariff Relief on $60 Billion

The United States and China have published reciprocal lists recommending possible tariff reductions on roughly $60 billion in two-way trade, with implementation dependent on domestic legal procedures in both countries.

The recommendations cover about $30 billion of imports from each country, based on 2024 trade values. The reductions are scheduled to begin simultaneously after the required legal steps are completed.

The U.S. list contains 77 tariff lines for Chinese goods, including fireworks, plastic tableware, blankets, artificial flowers, household appliances, toys, Christmas decorations, sporting goods and vacuum flasks.

China’s list contains 1,619 tariff lines for U.S. goods, including agricultural products, seafood, timber, personal-care products, medical equipment and coal.

More than 90% of the covered products are slated to receive most-favored-nation tariff treatment, removing additional reciprocal tariffs on those goods. The published materials do not specify the exact reduction for each product or provide an effective date.

The measures target non-sensitive goods. The U.S. list includes consumer products such as small appliances, toys, holiday decorations and children’s car seats, while China’s list includes products ranging from farm goods and personal-care items to medical equipment and coal.

The U.S. list says its product descriptions are informational except where specific “ex-out” provisions identify portions of tariff headings that are excluded.

The lists are part of a broader September trade package that includes Chinese purchases of at least 10 million metric tons of U.S. coal in 2027 and another 10 million metric tons in 2028.

The tariff recommendations will not take effect immediately. Both governments must first complete their domestic legal procedures, after which the reductions are to begin at the same time.