United States of America: President signed Executive Order modifying reciprocal tariffs on imports from the People’s Republic of China including de minimis tariff decrease provisions

On 12 May 2025, the President signed an Executive Order modifying reciprocal tariff rates applied to imports from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong and Macau, in light of recent discussions between the two governments. The Order includes minimis tariff decrease provisions and affects importers of goods from the PRC, particularly those subject to previously heightened ad valorem duties. It temporarily suspends 24% points of the additional tariffs imposed under Executive Order 14257 for a 90-day period, setting a uniform 10% rate while removing heightened duties imposed under subsequent orders. It also reduces the tariff on low-value imports tied to the synthetic opioid supply chain from 120% to 54%, while maintaining a USD 100 duty per postal item and suspending a planned increase to USD 200. The Order modifies relevant provisions of the Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the United States and directs multiple federal agencies to implement the changes from 14 May 2025.