China vs Mexico: Import Tariff Comparison 2026
China faces Section 301 tariffs of up to 25% on top of the Section 122 global surcharge, making Mexico 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, Mexico faces a total effective rate of 11.5%, avoiding the Section 301 penalty entirely. This tariff differential has accelerated supply chain diversification away from China in 2026, with Mexico emerging as one of the primary beneficiaries. For importers weighing both origins, the rate spread of 25% is a significant landed cost factor that directly affects margins and pricing decisions.
Tariff Rate Comparison
Consumer Electronics| Rate Type | China | MexicoSave 25.0pp vs highestUSMCA |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 10.00% | 10.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | 25.00% | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | N/A | N/A |
| Total Effective Rate | 36.50% | 11.50% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | China | Mexico | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| consumer electronics | 36.5% | 11.5% | $2,638 |
| auto parts components | 53.0% | 28.0% | $2,638 |
| industrial machinery | 37.0% | 12.0% | $2,638 |
| clothing garments | 47.0% | 22.0% | $2,638 |
| steel iron products | 78.0% | 53.0% | $2,638 |
Trade Agreement Status
China has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard balance-of-payments surcharge of 10% on most imports. Mexico is a USMCA member — qualifying goods enter the US duty-free at 0%. 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
Mexico offers lower tariff rates across all focus product categories in this comparison, making it the more cost-effective sourcing origin from a tariff perspective. Source from China when its supplier ecosystem, lead times, quality standards, or logistics infrastructure outweigh the tariff cost difference. Always model total landed cost — freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF — not just tariff rates, before making final sourcing decisions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Consumer ElectronicsChinaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
MexicoFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
Savings Analysis
On a $10,000 shipment of consumer electronics, importing from Mexico saves $2,638 in duties compared to China — a 68.5% reduction in total import costs. Mexico incurs $1,213 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 11.5% from Mexico 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.
Yes, Mexico is a USMCA member. Qualifying goods enter the US duty-free at 0%, making Mexico one of the most competitive sourcing origins for tariff purposes. Non-qualifying goods face standard tariff rates.
Mexico is cheaper for auto parts components with a 28% total tariff rate, compared to 53% from China. On a $10,000 shipment, this 25% rate difference saves $2,500 in duties when sourcing from Mexico.
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%. Mexico faces Section 122 at 10%. 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 .