Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports From the People's Republic of China

This executive order, issued by President Donald J. Trump and signed on April 7, 2025, amends the reciprocal tariff approach on low-value imports from the People's Republic of China. It expands and tightens duties in response to retaliatory tariffs announced by China. Specifically, it increases certain duties imposed on Chinese goods, strengthens the de minimis rule (the value below which shipments could enter duty-free), and directs multiple federal agencies to implement these changes through adjustments to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and related regulations. The actions are framed as necessary to address national security and economic concerns stemming from trade deficits and reciprocal tariffs, and are to be carried out consistent with existing law and available appropriations. Key elements include a substantial tariff hike (to 84%) on a specific low-value import category, a higher ad valorem rate and per-item postal duties for de minimis shipments, and a mandated implementation process across relevant federal departments and agencies. The order also clarifies that these measures are enforceable but do not create enforceable legal rights for individuals or entities.