U.S. Extends China Tariff Truce Through November 15 — Impact on FBA & E-Commerce

The U.S. has officially extended its tariff truce with China by 90 days, keeping rates lower through November 15, 2025. For importers, Amazon FBA sellers, and brands relying on e-commerce fulfillment, this is a short-lived but valuable opportunity to reduce landed costs. 

 Why the China Tariff Extension Matters for Amazon FBA Logistics and E-Commerce Fulfillment

Without the extension, tariff rates on most Chinese imports would have jumped back to spring 2025 highs, where combined duties on common e-commerce products exceeded 80%. Those months were challenging for sellers, with margins vanishing, landed costs spiking, and accurate inventory planning becoming nearly impossible. 

As of August 2025, two key tariff rates define the current China–U.S. trade relationship under the ongoing tariff truce:

1. 30% U.S. Tariff on Chinese Goods

• What It Is: The 30% tariff is the effective rate the United States applies to most imported Chinese goods under President Trump’s tariff regime.
• Why It Exists: This elevated rate reflects escalations throughout 2025, with tariffs previously spiking even higher (up to 145%) before the most recent truce extension.
• Current Status: The rate was scheduled to rise sharply but has been capped at 30% following a 90-day extension of the tariff truce, expiring November 15, 2025. This prevents an immediate return to the highest observed tariffs from earlier in the year.
• Coverage: The 30% applies broadly, but many product categories—including electronics, apparel, and household goods—may see additional “stacked” tariffs (from Section 301 and other policies) that increase the total duty rate above 30%.

2. 10% Chinese Tariff on U.S. Goods

• What It Is: In retaliation or as a reciprocal measure, China currently imposes a 10% tariff on American goods imported into China.
• Why It Exists: China’s 10% rate is part of the mutual suspension deal—meant to stabilize trade and negotiations, especially after rates on both sides threatened to approach a trade embargo (125%-145%) earlier in 2025.
• Current Status: The 10% rate is in effect through the 90-day extension window, mirroring the U.S. cap (but at a lower rate for U.S. exports to China).
• Coverage: The 10% applies to most American exports to China unless covered by exceptions or sectoral penalties.

Summary Table

Context & Implications:

• Reduced from previous crisis rates: Earlier in 2025, tariffs briefly exceeded 80%–145% before mutual truce agreements brought rates back down.
• Stability for importers/exporters: These capped rates are meant to give temporary stability for global supply chains, especially for e-commerce, manufacturing, and retailers planning for holiday and Q1 inventory.
• Expiry and Risk: Unless further extended, these rates will expire November 15, with a risk of reversion to much higher tariffs.
  

In essence, the 30% (U.S.) and 10% (China) tariffs are reciprocal, temporary rates set to reduce economic disruption and keep lines open for negotiation. Importers and exporters should plan for both potential re-escalation and specifically how “stacking” duties may affect their products if the truce lapses.

Tariff Savings Examples for E-Commerce Sellers and 3PL Warehouse Customers

Let’s break it down with real-world landed cost calculations:

When multiplied across shipments, these savings can have a major impact on your profitability, whether your products are going into an Amazon FBA warehouse, a 3PL warehouse, or through a direct to consumer fulfillment channel.

How U.S.-China Tariffs Directly Impact Your Landed Cost

Your landed cost includes the product cost, shipping, duties, and fees. Lowering tariffs, even temporarily, can transform your unit economics.

See it for yourself:

• Watch: Free Product Landed Cost Tool: Step-by-Step walkthrough: 

Try our free Product Landed Cost tool (accessible with a free account) to instantly calculate landed costs for any SKU, factoring in tariffs, freight forwarding, and other expenses.

Q4 and Beyond: Assessing Your Risk After November 15

To be clear: this is not a permanent policy shift; the U.S. and China agreed to keep current tariff levels for 90 days while trade negotiations continue.

If talks stall:

• Rates could jump back to 34% general + surcharges, pushing some categories above 80%.
• Import costs could spike without warning, making Q4 inventory far more expensive.
• Demand for freight forwarding and available 3PL warehouse space could tighten quickly.
  

FBA Sellers: Act Now to Maximize Q4 Profitability 

Peak season timelines are already in play. Sellers who benefit most from this window will:

• Accelerate inbound shipments to lock in lower landed costs
  Stock strategically for Q1–Q2 2026 while tariffs are reduced
• Reserve freight forwarding capacity early to avoid vessel and air cargo congestion in November

Even if you don’t need to ship inventory immediately to Amazon or customers, moving goods into a U.S. 3PL warehouse now ensures you’re ready to fulfill orders when you need to.

Tariff Takeaway: A Short-Term Advantage for Long-Term Growth

The next 90 days are a rare chance to cut landed costs and boost margins during the most critical sales season of the year.

The deadline is November 15, 2025. After that, tariff rates could climb overnight.

How Tactical Logistic Solutions Helps You Move Fast

We’ve been through tariff swings before, both as sellers and as a logistics partner. Tactical can help you:

• Manage freight forwarding from origin to final destination with full tariff visibility
• Clear customs quickly to land under current rates
• Deliver directly to Amazon FBA or handle direct to consumer fulfillment from our bi-coastal 3PL warehouses
• Store surplus inventory in our NJ and CA warehouses until it’s ready for sale
  

Our expertise in Amazon FBA logistics and e-commerce fulfillment means you can act quickly without risking compliance issues or delays.

Watch our Product Landed Cost video and use our free landed cost tool to understand exactly how this impacts your business.

To understand your options, Book a Call with a member of our team today.