U.S. Tariff Update for Printed Books from China
Updated: 2025-4-18
We would like to inform our U.S. customers about recent changes to U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, specifically regarding printed book products.
The current U.S. import duty for printed books from China remains at 27.5%.
Here’s a detailed overview of the tariff adjustments and their implications for your orders with us:
1. Original Tariff Rate
Initially, the import duty on printed book products from China to the U.S. was 7.5%, according to Section 301 Tariffs on China.
2. February 2025 – Trump Administration Imposes New Tariffs
On February 1, 2025, shortly after taking office, President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. This new tariff was added to existing tariffs, bringing the total tariff on printed books to 17.5%.
3. March 2025 – Further Increase in Tariffs
On March 3, 2025, the U.S. government raised the tariff by another 10%, bringing the cumulative tariff to 20% and resulting in a total of 27.5% for printed book products from China.
4. April 2025 – Major Increase in Tariffs
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a 34% reciprocal tariff, bringing the cumulative tariff to 54%. More details can be found in the official announcement here.
However, the U.S. government issued a tariff exemption list (Annex II).
“The following goods as set forth in Annex II to this order, consistent with law, shall not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty under this order”
According to this list, printed books and similar products are exempt from the new tariffs. Our printed book products fall under this exemption, meaning they are not subject to the additional tariffs.
Click to See the HS code related to our products
| HTSUS | Description |
|---|---|
|
49011000 |
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter in single sheets,
whether or not folded |
|
49019100 |
Printed dictionaries and encyclopedias and serial installments thereof |
|
49019900 |
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, other than in single
sheets |
|
49021000 |
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, appearing at least four times a week |
|
49029010 |
Newspaper supplements printed by a gravure process |
|
49029020 |
Newspaper, journals and periodicals, except those appearing at least four times a
week |
|
49030000 |
Children’s picture, drawing or coloring books |
|
49040000 |
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated |
|
49052000 |
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases and
topographical plans, printed in book form |
|
49059020 |
Globes, printed |
|
49059060 |
Other printed maps and hydrographic or similar charts, not globes and not in book
form, nesoi |
|
49060000 |
Hand-drawn original plans and drawings; hand-written texts; photo reproductions
on sensitized paper and carbon copies of the foregoing |
|
49111000 |
Printed trade advertising material, commercial catalogs and the like |
|
49119960 |
Printed matter, nesoi, printed on paper in whole or in part by a lithographic process |
|
49119980 |
Printed matter, nesoi |
5. April 8, 2025,
The U.S. government revised the reciprocal tariff rate outlined in Section 4, raising the previously set 34% tariff to 84%, bringing the cumulative tariff to 104%.
Printed books remained exempt from this increase and continued to be subject to the 27.5% tariff rate. Full details are available here.
6. April 9, 2025,
The U.S. government revised the reciprocal tariff rate outlined in Section 4 and 5, raising the previously set 84% tariff to 125%, bringing the cumulative tariff to 145%.
Printed books remained exempt from this increase and continued to be subject to the 27.5% tariff rate. Full details are available here.
7. April 15, 2025,
The U.S. government issued a new statement indicating that Chinese imports could face up to a 245% tariff.
This total includes:
- A 125% reciprocal tariff
- A 20% tariff aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis
- Section 301 tariffs on specific goods, ranging from 7.5% to 100%
Among these, the applicable tariff for printed books is 20% +7.5% = 27.5%.
As a result, the current import duty on printed books from China to the U.S. is still 27.5%.
Please note that the prices displayed on our website are EXW (Ex-Works), which means they do not include shipping or import duties. To receive a detailed cost estimate, please provide your delivery address, and we will send you the shipping and duty information.
For DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) orders that have already been paid, where we handle shipping and customs clearance to your door, we guarantee that if tariff rates change during transit and result in increased costs, we will cover the additional fees. This ensures that you will not be affected by any future tariff hikes during delivery.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these tariff changes, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re here to assist you!