U.S. Reduces Tariffs on Chinese Imports

2 mins mins

Key Points:

U.S. rolls back 91% of tariffs on Chinese goods effective May 14.
Immediate effects on cross-border trade and logistics.
Temporary tariff changes set to reassess in 90 days.

President Trump has drastically reduced tariffs on Chinese products, effective May 14, revoking 91% of these trade barriers.

The removal of tariffs on Chinese imports marks a notable shift in U.S.-China trade policies, impacting the logistics and e-commerce sectors.

U.S. Tariff Reductions on Chinese Goods Effective May 14

The United States lifted tariffs on Chinese goods, including from Hong Kong and Macao, per a White House executive order. President Donald Trump reversed previous measures, revoking 91% of tariffs initially imposed. Affected tariffs were part of Executive Order No. 14259 and No. 14266. Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, highlighted the new 30% tariff as a “floor,” suggesting potential adjustments after 90 days. Changes impact cross-border trade and potentially e-commerce sectors. Market response was cautious, with focus on potential long-term effects. No significant reactions were reported from key crypto industry leaders.

To ensure that the reduction in duties pursuant to section 2 of this order is made fully effective, the de minimis tariff rate on certain Chinese goods shall be decreased from 120 percent to 54 percent, effective May 14, 2025.

“To ensure that the reduction in duties pursuant to section 2 of this order is made fully effective, the de minimis tariff rate on certain Chinese goods shall be decreased from 120 percent to 54 percent, effective May 14, 2025.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States, via White House

Trade Policy Shifts Amid Market Uncertainty and Crypto Reactions

Did you know? The 2018–2020 U.S.-China trade war saw heightened market uncertainty, influencing crypto and traditional markets through tariffs, recalling the potential ripple effects of policy reversals like the recent tariff reductions.

Based on CoinMarketCap, Ethereum (ETH) was priced at $2,583.51, with a $311.90 billion market cap. Its 24-hour volume reached $33.91 billion, up 17.25%, despite a 1.30% price dip. ETH saw notable recovery, with 7-day (43.34%) and 30-day (57.46%) gains. Coincu research anticipates heightened market scrutiny on future U.S.-China negotiations, potentially influencing financial systems reliant on imported technology assets. Ethereum’s recent price surge highlights investor optimism amid regulatory shifts.

ethereum-daily-chart-254 — Ethereum(ETH), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 18:19 UTC on May 14, 2025. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

Market analysts are closely watching the developments in U.S.-China trade relations, as the tariff reductions could signal a shift in global trade dynamics, particularly for technology and cryptocurrency sectors.