Tariffs Explained
There is no single tariff rate for any part. The rate depends on what it is, where it was made, and which trade laws apply. A Micron memory chip made in Japan pays 10%. The same chip assembled in China pays 60%.
Three things determine your rate
Every product imported into the US has a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule code. The code determines the base duty rate and which additional tariffs apply.
Not where it shipped from — where it was manufactured. A chip designed in the US but fabbed in Taiwan has Taiwan as its country of origin.
Additional tariffs layered on top of the base rate. Section 301 targets China. Section 122 applies globally. These stack — they add together.
Your total duty = Base MFN rate + Section 301 (if China) + Section 122 (all countries) + Section 232 (if applicable)
Real examples — same part, different origin
This is why country of origin matters more than the part number.
Same Micron NAND flash. Same HTS code.·Made in Japan: 10% duty.·Assembled in China: 60% duty.·The origin is the difference.
| Part | Made In | HTS | Base | +Sec 301 | +Sec 122 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micron NAND Flash | Japan (Hiroshima) | 8542.32 | 0% | 0% | 10% | 10% |
| Micron NAND Flash | China (Xi'an assembly) | 8542.32 | 0% | 50% | 10% | 60% |
| STM32F4 MCU | Malaysia | 8542.31 | 0% | 0% | 10% | 10% |
| NVIDIA H100 | Taiwan (TSMC) | 8473.30 | 0% | 0% | 10% | 10% |
| Passive Resistor | China | 8533.21 | 0% | 25% | 10% | 35% |
* Section 301 rates for semiconductors (HTS 8541/8542) increased to 50% effective January 1, 2025. General electronics from China remain at 25%.
What each tariff law actually is
Section 301: The China Tariff
Added by the US Trade Representative starting in 2018. Applies only to goods manufactured in China. Semiconductors (HTS 8541/8542) increased from 25% to 50% on January 1, 2025. This is the largest tariff exposure for electronics procurement teams.
Official USTR notice →Section 122: The Global Surcharge
A temporary 10% surcharge on most imports from all countries under HTS 9903.03.01. Currently set to expire July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it. Applies on top of all other duties — including Section 301.
Federal Register source →Section 232: Steel and Aluminum
Applies to steel and aluminum products. Less common for electronic components but relevant for metal enclosures, heatsinks, connectors, and certain passive components.
Commerce Department notice →Official government sources
TariffTracker rates are sourced from these authoritative references. Always verify critical classifications with a licensed customs broker.
The authoritative 10-digit HTS code database. 2026 Revision 4 published February 25, 2026.
hts.usitc.gov →Official List 3 semiconductor tariff rates. Source for the 50% China semiconductor rate effective January 1, 2025.
ustr.gov →Official notices for Section 122 and Section 232 rate changes and effective dates.
federalregister.gov →US Customs and Border Protection rulings on HTS classification and country of origin determinations.
rulings.cbp.gov →Rate change history
Key tariff changes affecting electronics procurement teams.
USTR raised the Section 301 tariff on semiconductors (HTS 8541/8542) from 25% to 50% for China-origin goods. Total effective rate for China semiconductors: 60%.
ActiveThe Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs, invalidating broad tariff actions imposed under that authority. President Trump responded by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposing a 10% global surcharge effective February 24, 2026. Section 301 tariffs remain fully in effect.
Active10% temporary global surcharge on covered imports under HTS 9903.03.01. Applies to all countries including Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
Active — expires July 24, 2026Section 122 global surcharge is currently scheduled to expire unless extended by Congress. Monitor Federal Register for updates.
UpcomingCommon questions
Does it matter where my distributor is located?
No. Country of origin is where the part was manufactured — not where your distributor ships from. A chip shipped from a US distributor but made in China still carries China tariff rates.
What if the same manufacturer has factories in multiple countries?
The specific manufacturing site determines the rate — not the manufacturer's headquarters. Micron has facilities in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. The same Micron part number can have different duty rates depending on which factory produced it.
Can I use TariffTracker results for customs filings?
TariffTracker provides estimates for procurement planning and cost modeling. For binding customs classifications, always consult a licensed customs broker or file a binding ruling request with CBP.
What happens after July 24, 2026?
Section 122 is currently scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. If it expires, non-China semiconductor rates would return to 0% (MFN only) and China semiconductor rates would drop from 60% to 50%. TariffTracker will update rates on the effective date.
Why does TariffTracker show 'inferred' for some COO values?
Country of origin for a specific part number requires manufacturer data. When exact COO is not confirmed from a primary source, TariffTracker shows the most likely COO based on manufacturer facility data with a confidence indicator. Always verify COO with your supplier for import compliance.
Find the duty rate for your parts
Enter any part number in the calculator or upload your BOM for a full analysis.