Importing Natural Gas (LNG) from China into the United States in 2026 carries a total effective tariff of 12.5%. That figure is the stacked rate applied to the customs value before fees. Use the calculator below for the exact landed cost, including Merchandise Processing and Harbor Maintenance fees.
Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Natural Gas (LNG) from China
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for natural gas (lng) follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 0%, plus forced-labor Section 301 duty of 12.5% (effective July 24, 2026, backfilling the lapsed Section 122 surcharge). The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 0%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 12.5%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $1,325.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $11,974.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $427B in goods from China in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Key import categories from China include consumer electronics, computers servers, clothing garments, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Natural Gas (LNG) represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from China.
What Section 122's Lapse Means for This Import
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026, but this product category was already exempt from the Section 122 surcharge, so the lapse changed nothing. The exemption applies to product categories deemed essential or strategically important. Importers of natural gas (lng) from China saw no change in tariff costs from the Section 122 lapse.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Natural Gas (LNG)
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on natural gas (lng) may consider sourcing from Vietnam (effective rate 32.5%); India (effective rate 28%); Taiwan (effective rate 25%). Compared to China's total effective rate of 12.5%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Related Context
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Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Natural Gas (LNG) from China is 12.5%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 0%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 12.5%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Natural Gas (LNG) from China, you can expect to pay approximately $1,250.00 in total duties at the current rate of 12.5%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $11,250.00, representing an effective cost increase of 12.5% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
No, Natural Gas (LNG) is exempt from the Section 122 surcharge. This product category has been granted an exemption from Section 122 duties, meaning the surcharge does not add to the tariff cost for natural gas (lng) from China or any other country.
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026 when its 150-day statutory limit expired without renewal — but the landed cost on Natural Gas (LNG) from China did not fall to zero. A forced-labor Section 301 duty of 12.5% took effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern time the same day, backfilling the lapsed surcharge. The total tariff rate is 12.5%; importers should treat the forced-labor duty — not the expired Section 122 surcharge — as the operative layer.
For Natural Gas (LNG), alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of China include Vietnam (effective rate: 32.5%), India (effective rate: 28%), Taiwan (effective rate: 25%). Compared to China's total effective rate of 12.5%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.