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Importing Guide — China → USA

Importing Machinery from China: Duties & HTS Codes 2026

Industrial machinery from China faces ~35–39% total US import duty in 2026 — Section 301 List 1 (25%) stacks on MFN base rates and the new Section 122 universal surcharge (10%). Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany offer no Section 301.

Updated June 2026·5 min read
25%
Section 301 List 1
Applies to most machinery from China
0–4.4%
MFN (typical)
Low base rate for capital goods
+10%
Section 122
Universal surcharge (2026)
~35–39%
Total effective
vs 0% from Taiwan / KORUS Korea

No broad exclusions remain active. Most Section 301 product exclusions for machinery expired by 2022. For a $500,000 CNC machine from China, expect $175,000+ in US import duties alone. South Korea (0% under KORUS) or Taiwan (0% MFN + 0% §301) are significantly cheaper sources for precision equipment.

Machinery from China — US Import Duty Table 2026

ProductHTSMFN§301§1222026 TotalNote
CNC machining centers8457.104.4%25%10%~39.4%List 1 §301; precision mfg equipment
Metalworking lathes8458.114.4%25%10%~39.4%List 1 §301
Injection molding machines8477.103.5%25%10%~38.5%List 1 §301; plastics machinery
Industrial presses / stamping8462.104.4%25%10%~39.4%List 1 §301
Excavators / hydraulic shovels8429.52Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301; construction equipment
Forklifts8427.20Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301
Pumps (for liquids)8413.70Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301; centrifugal pumps
Industrial compressors8414.80Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301; air/gas compressors
Textile machinery (knitting)8447.11Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301
Packaging / filling machinery8422.30Free25%10%~35%List 1 §301
Agricultural tractors8701.914%25%10%~39%List 1 §301
Generators (AC, <75 kVA)8501.312.5%25%10%~37.5%List 1 §301

Machinery Origin Comparison

Origin§301Total DutyNote
China25%35–39.4%List 1 §301 on nearly all machinery; no machinery exemptions
Taiwan0%0–14.4%No §301; strong precision machinery & CNC capacity
Germany0%0–14.4%No §301; premium machinery, higher FOB cost
Japan0%0–14.4%No §301; §232 steel but not machinery
South Korea0%0% (KORUS)KORUS FTA 0% on most machinery from Korea
India0%0–14.4%No §301; growing machinery exports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the import duty on machinery from China in 2026?

Most industrial machinery from China faces Section 301 List 1 tariffs of 25%, on top of MFN base rates (typically 0–4.4% for machinery) and the 2026 Section 122 universal surcharge of 10%. Total effective duty: approximately 35–39.4% depending on the specific HTS subheading. CNC machines, injection molders, forklifts, and construction equipment all fall under List 1 §301.

Is there any machinery from China exempt from Section 301?

USTR has granted product exclusions for specific machinery HTS codes where no substitute manufacturing exists outside China. However, most broad machinery exclusions expired by 2022 and were not renewed. To check if your specific 10-digit HTS code has an active exclusion, search the USTR Exclusion Portal. Active exclusions are rare — the default for industrial machinery from China is 25% Section 301.

What is the Section 301 list for industrial machinery?

Most industrial machinery from China falls under Section 301 List 1, which carries a 25% additional duty. List 1 was the first tranche, published in July 2018, and covers capital goods including metalworking equipment, construction machinery, textile machinery, and agricultural equipment. This is distinct from consumer goods on Lists 3 and 4A which carried 7.5–25%.

Can I use a customs bond to defer duties on machinery from China?

Yes. A Continuous Customs Bond allows you to import and defer duty payment until the entry is liquidated (typically within a year). For large machinery shipments, importers often use a Single Entry Bond sized to the estimated total duty amount. Bonds don't eliminate duties — they defer collection. For machinery from China, the 25% §301 + §122 is ultimately due regardless of bond type.

What documentation is required to import machinery from China?

Required: commercial invoice with detailed product description and HTS classification, packing list, bill of lading, and CBP Form 7501 entry summary filed by your customs broker. For machinery subject to FCC, OSHA, or EPA regulations (generators, engines, electronic controls), additional agency permits may be required before release. Large machinery sometimes requires ISF (Importer Security Filing) 24 hours before loading.

Related Guides

Importing Auto Parts from ChinaChina Tariffs 2026 — Full GuideSouth Korea Tariffs (KORUS FTA)Taiwan Tariffs 2026Landed Cost CalculatorSection 301 Tariff Guide

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