Comprehensive Guide12 min readPublished March 3, 2026

2026 US Tariff Guide: Every Rate You Need to Know

The complete guide to current US import tariff rates after the Supreme Court IEEPA ruling and implementation of Section 122 global surcharges.

🚨 Major Changes in 2026

  • Feb 20: Supreme Court strikes down ALL IEEPA tariffs
  • Feb 24: Section 122 global 10% surcharge takes effect (expires July 23)
  • Feb 24: Section 232 rates on steel/aluminum doubled to 50%
  • Ongoing: IEEPA refund process active for all previously paid duties

The New Tariff Framework

As of March 2026, US import tariffs operate under a completely new framework following the Supreme Court's elimination of IEEPA tariffs. Here's how to calculate your total rate:

🧮 Total Tariff Calculation

Base Rate: MFN/NTR tariff rate (varies by HTS code)

+ Section 122: 10% global surcharge (expires July 2026)

+ Section 232: Product-specific rates (if applicable)

+ Section 301: China-specific rates (if applicable)

+ Anti-Dumping/CVD: Country/product specific (if applicable)

- FTA Preferences: May reduce base rate (but Section 122 still applies)

Section 122 Global Surcharge

The most significant change is the universal 10% surcharge applied to ALL imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974:

DetailValue
Rate10%
CoverageAll imports from all countries
Effective DateFebruary 24, 2026
Expiry DateJuly 23, 2026 (150 days)
Statutory Maximum15%
Section 232 InteractionDoes NOT apply to Section 232 products

Key Exception: Section 122 does NOT apply to products already subject to Section 232 tariffs. This prevents double-taxation on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and other Section 232 products.

Section 232 National Security Tariffs

Section 232 tariffs have been significantly expanded and increased in 2026:

🔩 Active Section 232 Rates

  • Steel: 50% (increased from 25%)
  • Aluminum: 50% (increased from 25%)
  • Automobiles: 25%
  • Auto Parts: 25%

Exemptions: Canada and Mexico (USMCA partners)

📅 Announced/Pending Rates

  • Lumber: 15% (April 2026)
  • Furniture: 20% (May 2026)
  • Semiconductors: 30% (June 2026)
  • Pharmaceuticals: 15% (July 2026)
  • Copper: 25% (pending)

Section 301 Tariffs on China

Section 301 tariffs remain fully active and unchanged by the Supreme Court ruling:

ListRateTrade ValueProduct Examples
List 125%$34BMachinery, technology equipment
List 225%$16BConsumer electronics, plastics
List 325%$200BApparel, furniture, food products
List 4A7.5%$120BConsumer goods, textiles

Country-by-Country Breakdown

🇨🇳 China

Total Rate Calculation:

  • Base MFN rate (varies by HTS code)
  • + Section 122: 10%
  • + Section 301: 7.5%-25% (depending on product list)
  • + Section 232: Product-specific (if applicable)

Typical Total: 17.5% to 35% depending on product category

Improvement: Down from previous 145%+ IEEPA rates

🇲🇽 Mexico & 🇨🇦 Canada (USMCA)

Total Rate Calculation:

  • FTA preferential rate (often 0%)
  • + Section 122: 10% (applies even with FTA)
  • Section 232: Exempted

Typical Total: 10% (Section 122 only)

Impact: Lost duty-free treatment due to Section 122

🇰🇷 South Korea (KORUS FTA)

Total Rate Calculation:

  • FTA preferential rate (often 0%)
  • + Section 122: 10%
  • + Section 232: Product-specific (if applicable)

Typical Total: 10% + Section 232 (if applicable)

🇩🇪 Germany & Other EU Countries

Total Rate Calculation:

  • Base MFN rate (varies by HTS code)
  • + Section 122: 10%
  • + Section 232: Product-specific (if applicable)

Typical Total: 10% + MFN rate + Section 232 (if applicable)

New Impact: 10% surcharge where none existed before

🇷🇺 Russia & 🇧🇾 Belarus

Total Rate Calculation:

  • Base MFN rate (varies by HTS code)
  • + Section 122: 10%
  • + Sanctions-related restrictions (non-tariff)

Typical Total: 10% + MFN rate

Improvement: Down from 35% IEEPA rate

Practical Examples

📱 Chinese Smartphone (HTS 8517)

  • Base MFN Rate: 0%
  • Section 122: +10%
  • Section 301 List 4A: +7.5%
  • Total: 17.5%

Previously: 145% IEEPA (massive reduction!)

🚗 German Automobile (HTS 8703)

  • Base MFN Rate: 2.5%
  • Section 122: Not applicable
  • Section 232: +25%
  • Total: 27.5%

Previously: 2.5% (significant increase due to Section 232)

👕 Mexican T-Shirt (HTS 6109)

  • USMCA Preferential: 0%
  • Section 122: +10%
  • Total: 10%

Previously: 0% duty-free (lost FTA benefit)

🔩 Chinese Steel (HTS 7208)

  • Base MFN Rate: 0%
  • Section 122: Not applicable
  • Section 232: +50%
  • Total: 50%

Previously: 145% IEEPA + 25% Section 232 (net reduction but still high)

What to Expect Next

📅 Key Dates to Watch

  • April 1, 2026: Section 232 lumber tariffs (15%) take effect
  • May 1, 2026: Section 232 furniture tariffs (20%) take effect
  • June 1, 2026: Section 232 semiconductor tariffs (30%) take effect
  • July 1, 2026: Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs (15%) take effect
  • July 23, 2026: Section 122 global surcharge expires (unless extended)

Strategic Recommendations

✅ Immediate Actions

  • File IEEPA refund claims: Recover previously paid duties
  • Recalculate landed costs: Update pricing with new rates
  • Review Chinese sourcing: Major rate reductions may favor China
  • Monitor Section 232 expansion: Prepare for new product coverage

⚠️ Medium-Term Planning

  • Section 122 expiry planning: What happens after July 2026?
  • Supply chain diversification: Consider non-FTA countries
  • Congressional action: Watch for FTA restoration efforts
  • Trade agreement updates: Potential USMCA amendments

💰 Don't Miss IEEPA Refunds

Every importer who paid IEEPA duties before February 20, 2026 is eligible for a full refund. This could represent significant recovered costs for your business.

Check Your Refund Eligibility