Strategic Tariff Adjustments in U.S. – China Relations

On November 4, 2025, the White House issued Executive Orders announcing formal agreements from recent negotiations with China.  These agreements address key concerns related to trade reciprocity, economic security and the fentanyl crisis.

Modification to Tariff Rates

As part of the negotiated terms, the United States will reduce the tariff rate imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Fentanyl tariff from 20% to 10%, effective November 10, 2025.

• The reduction applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption on or after the effective date.
• Heading 9903.01.24 will be amended to reflect the new 10% rate.

In-Transit Cargo

Shipments that arrive and are issued an in-bond (I.T.) movement on or before November 10 will remain subject to the 20% IEEPA fentanyl tariff.

Additionally, the United States has agreed to suspend the planned increase of the China Reciprocal tariff from 10% to 34%. The tariff will remain at 10% until November 10, 2026. 

Official implementation guidance is expected from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

For further details, stakeholders are encouraged to review the official notices directly.

Resources:

• Modifying Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China – The White House
• Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates Consistent with the Economic and Trade Arrangement Between the United States and the People's Republic of China – The White House
• U.S.–China Trade Update: Tariff Reductions, Regulatory Suspensions, and Fentanyl Controls Announced in November 2025 | C.H. Robinson