U.S. Eases Tariffs on Chinese Imports in Major Trade Shift

In Brief:

As of May 14 at 00:01 ET, the U.S. has lifted 91% of additional tariffs on Chinese goods and suspended part of others for 90 days.

Tariffs on small packages and international mail were also reduced, reversing a planned hike set for June.

The United States has officially revised its tariff policies on Chinese imports, marking a significant step toward de-escalating trade tensions. According to Xinhua News Agency via ChainCatcher, the changes took effect at 00:01 a.m. Eastern Time on May 14, based on a White House executive order titled “Executive Order to Modify Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Discussions with the People's Republic of China.”

Under this order, 91% of additional tariffs on Chinese goods—previously enforced under Executive Orders No. 14259 and 14266—have been lifted. Meanwhile, 34% of tariffs imposed under Executive Order No. 14257 have been modified: 24% are now suspended for a 90-day review period, and 10% remain in place.

Additionally, the U.S. has reduced trade friction on small-package imports. The ad valorem tax on international mail from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, has been slashed from 120% to 54%. A planned increase in specific taxes on such items—from $100 to $200 per piece, scheduled for June 1—has been canceled entirely.

These adjustments are seen as a strategic move to rebuild trade cooperation and may influence global market sentiment in the weeks ahead.

‍