China vs India: Import Tariff Comparison 2026
China faces Section 301 tariffs of up to 25% on top of the Section 122 global surcharge, making India a compelling sourcing alternative for consumer electronics and related product categories. The total effective tariff rate on imports from China reaches 36.5%, combining the MFN base rate with a Section 122 surcharge of 10% and Section 301 duties that apply exclusively to Chinese-origin goods. By contrast, India faces a total effective rate of 19.5%, avoiding the Section 301 penalty entirely. This tariff differential has accelerated supply chain diversification away from China in 2026, with India emerging as one of the primary beneficiaries. For importers weighing both origins, the rate spread of 17% is a significant landed cost factor that directly affects margins and pricing decisions.
Tariff Rate Comparison
Consumer Electronics| Rate Type | China | IndiaSave 17.0pp vs highestbilateral |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 10.00% | 0.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | 25.00% | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | N/A | 18.00% |
| Total Effective Rate | 36.50% | 19.50% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | China | India | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| consumer electronics | 36.5% | 19.5% | $1,794 |
| textiles fabrics | 43.0% | 26.0% | $1,794 |
| pharmaceutical ingredients | 2.0% | 20.0% | $1,899 |
| chemicals industrial compounds | 38.5% | 21.5% | $1,794 |
| industrial machinery | 37.0% | 20.0% | $1,794 |
Trade Agreement Status
China has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard balance-of-payments surcharge of 10% on most imports. India has a bilateral deal with the US at 18% (replaces the standard Section 122 rate). For products under Section 232 national security tariffs, the bilateral deal or Section 122 rate does not apply — S232 rates govern instead. China-origin goods additionally face Section 301 tariffs that stack on top of all other duties, making trade agreement status a defining factor in the total tariff burden.
When to Source from Each Country
Source from China when importing pharmaceutical ingredients, where its tariff rates are more competitive. Source from India for consumer electronics and textiles fabrics, where it carries the tariff advantage. Beyond tariff rates, factor in lead times, minimum order quantities, quality standards, and freight costs — the total landed cost comparison may shift depending on shipment volume and logistics conditions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Consumer ElectronicsChinaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
IndiaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
Savings Analysis
On a $10,000 shipment of consumer electronics, importing from India saves $1,794 in duties compared to China — a 46.6% reduction in total import costs. India incurs $2,057 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while China incurs $3,851. This difference compounds across larger order volumes and is a key factor in supplier selection decisions for importers sourcing consumer electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total effective tariff rate on consumer electronics is 36.5% from China and 19.5% from India under current 2026 tariff policy. These rates include the MFN base rate, applicable Section 122 surcharge or bilateral deal rate, Section 232 duties for covered products, and Section 301 tariffs for Chinese goods. Use the CalcMyTariff.com calculator above to enter your specific invoice value and shipping details for a precise landed cost breakdown.
China does not have a formal trade agreement with the United States. Imports from China are subject to the standard balance-of-payments surcharge of 10% on most goods, stacked on top of MFN base rates.
India has a bilateral trade deal with the US at a negotiated rate of 18%, which replaces the Section 122 rate for imports from India. This creates a differentiated tariff structure compared to non-deal countries.
India is cheaper for textiles fabrics with a 26% total tariff rate, compared to 43% from China. On a $10,000 shipment, this 17% rate difference saves $1,700 in duties when sourcing from India.
Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. China faces Section 122 at 10%. India's bilateral deal rate of 18% replaces Section 122. Note that Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 — importers should model both current and post-expiry scenarios when planning shipments.
Tariff rates from Tax Foundation, USITC, and Penn Wharton Budget Model; retaliatory and industry data from the ITA Foreign Retaliations Database and U.S. Census Bureau (NAICS). Last verified .