On September 28, China and the U.S. simultaneously published their "$30 billion vs. $30 billion" reciprocal tariff reduction lists.
The U.S. side will cut tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Chinese imports, covering **77 tariff lines**. The Chinese side will cut tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of U.S. imports, covering 1,619 tariff lines.
Both sides agreed that over 90% of the products on these lists will be exempted from all mutual additional tariffs and enjoy Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff treatment.
This is the first time since the trade war began that a "list-for-list" reciprocal tariff reduction has actually landed. But the more important question is: Is your product on the list?
The U.S. list contains 77 tariff lines, focusing on non-sensitive consumer goods. Based on the disclosed contents, it primarily covers the following categories:
Toys and Holiday Goods: This is the largest category on the list. In 2024, total U.S. toy imports from China reached **$14.4 billion**, dropping to $9.8 billion in 2025 due to high tariffs. Reuters called it a potential "Christmas miracle" for the toy industry. Specific items include: tricycles, scooters, dolls, puzzles, fireworks, glass and wooden Christmas ornaments, and Christmas tree lights.
Appliances and Kitchenware: Includes microwave ovens, electric irons, coffee makers, teapots, toasters, electrothermic appliances, flashlights, as well as food grinders, blenders, and juicers. Kitchen items such as plates, cups, bowls, dishes, and serving trays are also included.
Home and Textile Products: Curtains, interior blinds, wall hangings, pillowcases, bedding, tablecloths, napkins, and kitchen fabrics. Electric blankets, wool blankets, and travel blankets are also on the list.
Infant and Personal Care: Child safety seats, high chairs, baby walkers, baby bouncers, and playpens. Personal care appliances such as electric shavers and hair removal devices.
Sports and Outdoor: Soccer balls, tennis rackets, baseballs, fishing hooks, billiard tables, playing cards, garden umbrellas, artificial flowers, and more.
Special Note: Toy tariff line 95030000 explicitly excludes products with RF, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth functions. If you make electric or smart toys, wireless models are not covered by the tariff cut.
Of China's 1,619 tariff lines, agricultural products account for approximately three-quarters. Key categories include:
Meat and Seafood: Beef, pork, lamb, poultry and offal; tuna, cod, lobster, crab, shrimp, and various other seafood products.
Dairy: Milk, cream, butter, cheese, and whey.
Grains and Agricultural Products: Wheat, barley, corn, rice, sorghum, seeds; honey, vegetables, mushrooms, beans, and fruits.
Energy and Industrial Goods: Coal products (China committed to importing at least 10 million tons of U.S. coal annually in 2027 and 2028); timber, logs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Soybeans Were Excluded. U.S. soybeans are America's largest agricultural export to China, valued at $16.2 billion in 2025, yet they still face a 10% retaliatory tariff. The American Soybean Association expressed disappointment.
Step One: Check your tariff code.
Download the "U.S. Import Product List" or "China Import Product List" PDF from the Ministry of Commerce website and match it against your product's HS code.
Step Two: Watch for "Ex-Out" qualifications.
Some tariff lines only cover a partial scope of goods. You need to determine whether your product qualifies based on "tariff code + product description." For example, child safety seats and playpens are defined by specific descriptions.
Step Three: Recalculate your quotes.
Over 90% of products will enjoy MFN rates—meaning the previously imposed Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs will be exempted or significantly reduced. Recalculate your costs after the tariff cuts, and your price competitiveness will return.
Precondition for Simultaneous Implementation: Both sides will implement the tariff reductions simultaneously after completing their respective domestic legal procedures. The specific effective date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to come soon.
Truce Extension to January 10, 2027: Both sides agreed to extend the suspension of certain tariff and non-tariff measures until January 10, 2027, including the U.S. suspension of certain Section 301 measures on China in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, as well as Section 301 tariff exemptions for 178 product categories.
The landing of these tariff cut lists means that "policy uncertainty"—the single largest cost factor—is at least locked down for the next year or so. What you need to do now is find out whether your product is on the list, and then recalculate your quotes.
