China-US Trade in Two Stars: $30 Billion in Tariff Reductions Announced, 264.48% Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Take Effect Simultaneously
In the last week of September 2026, the China-US trade arena simultaneously released two completely different signals. On one hand, both sides announced a tariff reduction list for approximately $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods, including consumer goods such as toys, home appliances, and baby products; on the other hand, the US anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into Chinese van trailers and their components concluded, with a combined tariff rate as high as 264.48%. For US importers, understanding the logic behind these two parallel events is more important than simply reading the headlines.
I. $30 Billion vs. $30 Billion: Tariff Reduction List Officially Announced
On September 27, 2026, the White House announced a list of products for which the US and China would mutually reduce tariffs. The following day, China's Ministry of Commerce further announced the details of the "$30 billion vs. $30 billion" reciprocal tariff reduction framework.
According to information released by the Ministry of Commerce, both sides agreed to provide reciprocal tariff reductions on approximately $30 billion worth of their respective imports (based on 2024 bilateral trade figures). More than 90% of these products will be exempt from all additional tariffs imposed on each other and will enjoy most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff treatment.
The US tariff reduction will cover approximately $30 billion worth of goods imported from China, including toys, home appliances, baby products, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and holiday gifts.
China's tariff reduction will cover approximately $30 billion worth of goods imported from the US, including agricultural products, personal care products, medical devices, and coal.
It is noteworthy that soybeans are not included in the list released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce; US soybeans still face an additional 10% tariff. Reuters estimates that the trade value of agricultural products and related products listed in the Chinese list is approximately $17 billion (2024 data), roughly equivalent to China's announced purchase commitment (excluding soybeans).
Regarding the implementation timeline: The Ministry of Commerce clearly stated that both sides will implement the tariff reductions simultaneously after fulfilling relevant procedures according to their respective domestic laws. This means that the publication of the list does not equate to immediate implementation. Importers should separate "current tax rates" from "potentially applicable future tax rates" when calculating costs to avoid prematurely incorporating preferential treatment that has not yet taken effect into their quotations.
(Image source: White House website)
II. In the Same Week, 264.48% Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties Were Implemented
While the tariff reduction list was announced, another path of trade remedy procedures also came to an end.
On September 25, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to issue an affirmative final determination of injury in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imported van-type trailers and subassemblies from China, finding that the products in question had caused material injury to the relevant U.S. industry. Based on this final determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order (AD Order) and a countervailing duty order (CVD Order).
Previously, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the final tariff rates on August 26, 2026:
| Tariff Type | Tariff Rate |
| Antidumping Duty (Entities nationwide in China) | 130.86% (Adjusted to 129.73% after offsetting subsidies) |
| Countervailing Duty (Non-respondent Companies and Other Chinese Companies) | 134.75% |
| Total | 264.48% |
(Data Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Announcement, compiled by China Trade Remedy Information Network)
The scope of this investigation covers van trailers and their sub-assemblies, involving structural components such as the frame, body walls, roof, doors, rear bumper, coupler, running gear, and outriggers, as well as supporting components such as braking systems, axles, tires, lighting, and electrical systems. This primarily involves products under U.S. HS codes 8716.39.0040, 8716.39.0090, and 8716.90.5060, as well as some products under codes 7308.30.5050, 7308.90.9590, 7326.90.8688, 8708.29.1500, 8708.99.8180, and 8716.90.5010.
Trade data shows that while the number of complete van trailers exported from China to the U.S. in 2024 was not large, Chinese companies had a higher level of participation in the related sub-component supply chain, with component exports averaging approximately $120 million to $150 million annually.
III. Why Are Tariffs Being Reduced on One Hand and Increased on the Other?
These two seemingly contradictory actions actually belong to two completely different policy mechanisms.
The tariff reduction list is part of the overall trade and economic arrangements under the framework of the U.S.-China Business Council. In May 2026, China and the United States agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Trade Council (ITC) with the mission of optimizing bilateral trade. From September 20th to 23rd, the two sides held their eighth round of trade consultations in New York and Washington, reaching a consensus on a reciprocal tariff reduction framework of $30 billion for $30 billion. The ITC will first discuss this framework and establish an agricultural working group under it, with plans to hold its first meeting before the end of 2026.
The anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) case concerning van trailers falls under the US trade remedy system. The investigation was initiated on January 21, 2026, with the final tariff determination completed on August 26th and the final injury determination completed on September 25th, lasting several months. Even if overall tariff relations between China and the US ease, initiated AD/CVD cases will not be automatically cancelled.
Feel free to send your inquiry: sales09@senghorlogistics.com
IV. Two Things Importers Need to Do
First, check which list your products fall on.
Toys, small appliances, baby products, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and holiday decorations are currently among the consumer goods targeted for tariff reductions. However, please note that the 77 HS codes on the list may differ from the final implemented list. Before the official implementation documents and effective date are published, purchasing and pricing strategies should not be adjusted solely based on news headlines. According to Reuters estimates, the total value of US imports of toys from China was $14.4 billion in 2024, decreasing to $9.8 billion in 2025. If the subsequent implementation date coincides with the holiday shopping season, it will be a substantial benefit for importers of related categories.
Second, for products involved in trade remedy investigations, it is essential to verify the HS code and country of origin.
For van trailers and their sub-components, the key is to confirm whether the product falls within the final investigation scope and the corresponding HTSUS code. A significant characteristic of current US trade policy is that different products in the same Chinese market may face completely different tariff paths.
As a logistics service provider, our role is also changing. We no longer just help you with booking, customs clearance, and shipping—we aspire to be your navigator through the policy fog. Before each shipment, we will verify the product, tax number, and country of origin with you to ensure your goods won't be stuck at the port due to a sudden announcement.
The tides of trade are ever-changing, but one thing remains constant: only those who are well-prepared can maintain their course amidst the storms. Senghor Logistics aims to be your reliable support when navigating uncertainty.
Author: Vilien Wu, Sales from Shenzhen Senghor Sea & Air Logistics Co., Ltd. Deeply involved in traditional sea freight and air freight door-to-door services in markets such as Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, with extensive practical experience in consolidating cargo and integrating shipments from multiple suppliers.
Since entering the industry, I've encountered many small and medium-sized importers and found that many foreign trade professionals have only a superficial understanding of logistics, with most of their experience gained from mistakes. Therefore, I decided to share some real-world shipping cases and logistics knowledge to help more foreign trade professionals avoid some pitfalls in the shipping process.
Whether a shipment can be successfully dispatched depends on the freight forwarder's control and predictive capabilities at each stage. Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is crucial, but as someone involved in foreign trade, having some basic logistics knowledge helps in making better judgments and selections.
Feel free to contact me anytime if you have shipping needs or logistics questions. sales09@senghorlogistics.com
Post time: Oct-14-2026
