U.S.-China tariff truce takes effective on May 14

On May 14, the Ministry of Commerce of China announced that, in response to the U.S. Executive Order on Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Talks with the People’s Republic of China issued by the White House on May 12, the United States has withdrawn 91% of the additional tariffs imposed on Chinese goods (including those from Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions).

The tariffs, originally implemented under the U.S. president Donald J. Trump's Executive Order No. 14259 (April 8, 2025) and Executive Order No. 14266 (April 9, 2025), were lifted as of 00:01 Eastern Time on May 14. Additionally, the U.S. amended the 34% reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods (including those from Hong Kong and Macao) under Executive Order No. 14257 (April 2, 2025), suspending 24% of the duties for 90 days while maintaining the remaining 10%.

The U.S. also eased tariffs on small parcels from China, reducing the ad valorem tax rate for international mail from 120% to 54% and canceling a planned increase in specific duties from $100to$200 per parcel, which was set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

In light of these adjustments—made in accordance with the consensus reached during high-level economic and trade talks—China has correspondingly modified its tariff and non-tariff countermeasures against the U.S.

The United States previously imposed two rounds of unjustified tariffs on China under the pretext of fentanyl-related concerns. In response, China took necessary countermeasures to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests. "These countermeasures remain in effect," stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press briefing on Wednesday when addressing questions on bilateral tariffs.

Under the new arrangement, the U.S. has agreed to lift 91% of additional tariffs on Chinese goods and suspend the 24% "reciprocal tariff." In a reciprocal move, China will remove 91% of its countermeasure tariffs on U.S. imports and suspend a 24% retaliatory duty. Both sides will maintain a 10% tariff on certain goods, Lin added.