Tea Tariffs 2026: Navigate Duties, Cut Costs, Stay Compliant

Duty/Tax Type Name	Standard Rate or Rate Range
Ad Valorem	0% (General Rate)
Specific Duty	N/A
Compound Duty	N/A
Section 301	7.5% (China origin)
Antidumping	Case Specific (Generally 0%)
Excise	N/A
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)	0.3464% (Min $32.71, Max $634.62)
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)	0.125% (Sea shipments only)

The United States import structure for tea is primarily duty-free, facilitating a high volume of international trade. While base tariffs are often zero, importers must account for supplemental trade enforcement actions and administrative processing costs. Understanding these variables is essential for accurate landed cost calculations and regulatory compliance.

• General Duties: Most tea varieties under HS Chapter 9 enter the U.S. at a 0% ad valorem rate, provided they are not further processed.
• Section 301 Tariffs: Products originating from China are subject to additional duties under List 4A, currently set at a 7.5% rate.
• Administrative Fees: The MPF applies to all formal entries to cover processing costs, while the HMF is mandatory for maritime cargo arriving at qualifying ports.