I’m planning to import stainless steel mugs from China to sell on Amazon USA, and I’m looking for some guidance.
Does anyone know the current import duty (tax) percentage for stainless steel mugs when shipping from China to the U.S.? Also, as a non-U.S. resident, I’m wondering:
Do I need to pay any taxes to the supplier in China?
Or do I only pay the import tax directly to U.S. customs?
What’s the best and legal way to minimize or avoid import duties, if possible, as a non-resident?
Any insights, experiences, or recommendations (especially for customs brokers or freight forwarders) would be really appreciated. Thank you!
Importing stainless steel mugs from China to the U.S. involves understanding specific duties and taxes. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for stainless steel mugs is 7323.93.00, which carries a base duty rate of 2% ad valorem. However, due to Section 301 tariffs, an additional 25% may apply to goods from China, bringing the total potential duty to 27% of the product’s value. As a non-U.S. resident, you typically don’t pay taxes to the Chinese supplier unless VAT is applicable, which is uncommon for exports. Your primary tax obligation is to U.S. Customs upon importation.
To minimize or legally avoid import duties, consider strategies like tariff engineering, modifying product design to fit into a lower-duty category or utilizing bonded warehouses in the U.S., which defer duty payments until goods are sold. Engaging a licensed customs broker can also help navigate complex regulations and identify potential duty-saving opportunities. It’s crucial to ensure compliance with all legal requirements to avoid penalties.
Even though you are a non-US resident, you still need to pay duties to US Customs.
Due to higher tariffs and shipping costs, review Amazon prices, factory costs on Alibaba, and shipping fees to evaluate if the product remains profitable.
When you import stainless steel mugs from China to sell on Amazon USA, this will require navigating U.S. customs duties, understanding tax obligations as a non-U.S. resident, and exploring legal strategies to minimize costs.
I can recommend you to a freelancer that would better address your questions based on available information and provide practical guidance.
Tariffs have increased a lot now, and the corresponding product prices will definitely increase, as well as your shipping costs. You have to increase the price of your products in the United States.
You can do a calculation first to see the price of such products on Amazon in the United States, then check the factory price on Alibaba, and then ask the freight forwarder about the shipping cost. This way you will know whether it is profitable