Archive · 28 Sep 2026
US and China Set Tariff Cuts on $30 Billion Goods
The United States and China agreed to lower some taxes on goods traded between them.
They published lists showing which products are included.
The lists cover about $30 billion worth of goods.
China listed 1,619 products it imports from the United States.
The United States listed 77 products it imports from China.
China said tariffs on more than 90% of these products would fall to regular international rates.
The goods include food, personal-care products, medical equipment, decorations and soccer balls.
Important products such as computer chips, electric vehicles and batteries were not included.
Experts think the agreement could help trade, but they disagree about how large the economic benefit will be.
The United States and China released reciprocal lists covering about $30 billion in goods targeted for tariff cuts.
The lists include 1,619 U.S. products entering China and 77 Chinese products entering the United States.
China said tariffs on more than 90% of the covered products would be reduced to most-favored-nation rates.
Covered goods include agricultural products, personal-care items, timber, medical equipment, fireworks, tableware, glass, ornaments, soccer balls and U.S. coal.
Analysts said the agreement could support trade, although its overall economic effect may be limited and strategic goods remain excluded.
- Who
- The United States and China, including their trade officials and commerce ministry.
- What
- They released reciprocal lists of goods covered by planned tariff reductions.
- When
- The lists were released Monday; the specific date was not provided.
- Where
- The agreement concerns goods traded between the United States and China.
- Why
- The countries said the arrangement would strengthen trade cooperation and provide more favorable tariff treatment for selected goods.
Potential Trade Benefits
Limited Economic Impact
Effect on bilateral trade
Potential Trade Benefits
Officials and some analysts said the tariff cuts could strengthen trade cooperation, improve market access and benefit farmers, manufacturers, businesses and consumers.
Limited Economic Impact
Other analysts said the agreement could have a limited overall effect because the covered goods represent only part of total U.S.-China trade.
Effect on consumers and exporters
Potential Trade Benefits
Lower tariffs could help U.S. consumer brands and reduce prices for some Chinese household goods and toys, while supporting Chinese exporters.
Limited Economic Impact
A Chinese exporter said the immediate effect on Christmas goods may be limited because much of this year's merchandise had already been shipped.
Broader trade tensions
Potential Trade Benefits
Analysts expected bilateral trade to continue recovering and did not anticipate a major flare-up before the end of the year.
Limited Economic Impact
Strategic products were excluded, and the United States was still investigating China over excess industrial capacity, potentially leaving room for additional tariffs.
- Estimated goods value
- About $30 billion
- U.S. product list
- 1,619 products entering China
- Chinese product list
- 77 products entering the United States
- Tariff treatment
- China said tariffs on more than 90% of covered products would be reduced to most-favored-nation rates
- Included goods
- Agricultural commodities, personal-care products, timber, medical equipment, fireworks, tableware, glass, ornaments, soccer balls and U.S. coal
- Excluded sectors
- Chips, electric vehicles and batteries
- Future changes
- Both countries said the lists could be adjusted later, likely through annual amendments
