Importing from China Just Got More Expensive: What You Need to Know About the 2025 Tariff Surge

If you’re a U.S. importer bringing in general goods from China, April 2025 just changed the game. 

With the Trump administration’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs—dubbed the “Liberation Day” Tariffs—the cost of importing has surged overnight. Combined with ongoing Section 301 duties and a shifting global trade posture, small and midsized businesses are now facing some of the most intense pressure in years. 

While much of the news coverage has focused on politics, the real story is this: if you’re not adjusting your strategy, you’re absorbing new costs you may not even be tracking yet. 

This blog breaks down what changed, what it means for importers like you, and how to respond without losing momentum. 

What Just Happened—and Why It Matters 

🧾 1. The “Liberation Day” Tariffs: A Baseline Hike on All Imports 

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a new tariff policy imposing a 10% baseline duty on all imports into the United States, regardless of origin or product category. This is in addition to any existing duties (including Section 301). 

For China, which already faces a complex tariff structure, the combined effect is staggering—some products are now subject to effective duty rates exceeding 50%. 

🇨🇳 2. China-Specific Tariff Exposure Hits a Breaking Point 

Most small and midsized U.S. importers source heavily from China due to scale, pricing, and existing vendor relationships. The new policy adds a significant, immediate cost to common general goods: furniture, electronics accessories, kitchenware, packaging, textiles, and more. 

Many importers are now paying 20%–54% in combined tariffs—sometimes unknowingly—because the rollout is happening quickly and compliance clarity is lagging. 

🔁 3. Reciprocal Tariffs and Retaliation Risk 

China has responded with new retaliatory tariffs aimed at U.S. exports, and further escalation is likely. For importers, this fuels broader supply chain instability, from material costs to lead times and availability. 

What This Means for Importers of General Goods 

If your business relies on sourcing from China or nearby Asian regions, here’s what these changes mean: 

• Your landed costs just increased. If you haven’t updated cost models or reviewed tariff exposure line by line, your margins may be eroding silently. 

• Customs scrutiny is increasing. With broad policies in place, CBP is ramping up enforcement. Accurate HTS classifications, country-of-origin declarations, and clean documentation matter more than ever. 

• Sourcing diversification is no longer optional. Importers that rely on a single origin face higher financial and compliance risk. Diversification is now a strategic necessity. 

 What About Steel, Fentanyl, and Other Headlines? 

Not all recent tariff news directly affects general goods importers—but it does shape the environment you’re operating in: 

• Section 232 Tariffs (Steel & Aluminum): These remain in place and are now being more aggressively enforced. While less relevant to your products, they show increased Customs vigilance. 

• Fentanyl-Related Tariffs (Feb/March 2025): These target Chinese chemical producers and illustrate the growing trend of using tariffs as political instruments—even outside of trade. 

Knowing about these trends matters—they shape how the government thinks about enforcement, retaliation, and policy tools. At Dedola, we track all of it so you don’t have to. 

How Importers Are Responding (And How We Help) 

Forward-thinking importers are taking fast, smart steps—not just to survive the tariff surge, but to stay competitive through it. 

At Dedola Global Logistics, we specialize in helping small and midsized importers manage precisely this kind of complexity. Here’s how we’re helping right now: 

✅ Tariff Exposure Reviews – We map your SKUs, identify where duties are increasing, and recommend classification strategies that avoid overpayment. 

✅ HTS Code and Documentation Audits – Clean, accurate data helps you avoid costly Customs holds and re-inspections. 

✅ Sourcing Strategy Support – We help importers explore alternate origin countries, assess logistics costs, and avoid overreacting to short-term disruptions. 

✅ Real-Time Landed Cost Insights – Our tools give you visibility into not just freight—but full landed costs by SKU and vendor. 

3 Practical Steps to Take This Month 

1. Review all HTS classifications.
   Even a small adjustment can lead to major tariff savings—or at least compliance clarity.
2. Audit your China exposure.
   Are 80–100% of your shipments still tied to Chinese suppliers? If so, now’s the time to explore lower-risk sourcing.
3. Get proactive about documentation.
   CBP is reviewing more shipments. The cleaner your paperwork, the faster your cargo clears.

You Can’t Control Tariffs. But You Can Control How You Respond

These tariffs aren’t a passing headline—they’re a structural shift. Importers who act now—who plan, audit, and adapt—won’t just survive. They’ll gain an edge while others scramble. 

At Dedola, we’ve helped importers navigate five decades of trade volatility. We’re ready to help you navigate this one. Let’s assess your tariff exposure and explore ways to protect your margins. 

👉 Schedule Your Consultation