U.S. Tariff Policies
U.S. Tariffs Update: What Luggage & Travel Goods Buyers Need to Know
Updated: November 6, 2025
U.S.–China Tariff Deal Eases Pressure on Travel Goods
The U.S. and China have reached a new trade deal that will lower tariffs on travel goods imported from China.
Starting November 10, the fentanyl-related tariff will drop from 20% to 10%, and could be removed entirely if China takes more action to control fentanyl exports. This will bring total tariffs down from about 73% to 63%.
The deal also keeps the 10% reciprocal (IEEPA) tariff in place and suspends extra port fees on Chinese-owned and operated ships through 2026.
The U.S. also announced new trade frameworks with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, setting total tariffs on travel goods from these countries at 36–40%, depending on the country.
Recent Timeline of Key Developments
November 10 (effective): New U.S.-China trade deal lowers the fentanyl-related tariff from 20% to 10%, while keeping Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs unchanged.
August 29: Federal courts ruled that Trump exceeded his authority under IEEPA, declaring most global tariffs unlawful. The duties remain in effect until at least October 15 during appeals.
August 27: The U.S. added a 25% tariff on some imports from India over Russian-oil purchases, bringing total duties on Indian travel goods to around 50%.
August 18: Section 232 tariffs expanded to cover 407 new steel and aluminum products, affecting luggage frames, handles, and wheel assemblies.
Key Takeaways
Tariffs remain high but are easing under new trade agreements.
Section 232 expansion increases costs for metal-reinforced travel goods.
India and several Asian suppliers still face duties as high as 50%.
The de minimis exemption ended August 29 and all shipments now pay duties.
Legal challenges to Trump-era tariffs continue, but duties are still being collected.
1. Current Tariffs by Country
The U.S. has passed sweeping tariffs on imports from 68 countries, including the EU, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, with rates reaching up to 50%. These took effect for goods loaded after August 7, 2025.
Key Country Tariffs
- Bangladesh 20%
- Cambodia 19%
- Costa Rica 15%
- India 50%
- Indonesia 19%
- Jordan 15%
- Lesotho 15%
- Madagascar 15%
- Malaysia 15%
- Mauritius 15%
- Myanmar 40%
- Nicaragua 18%
- Pakistan 19%
- The Philippines 19%
- South Africa 30%
- Sri Lanka 20%
- Thailand 19%
- Vietnam 20%
USMCA goods from Canada & Mexico remain duty-free.
2. Compliance & Risk Notes
“Substantial transformation” origin rules remain unchanged.
Transshipped goods may face penalties up to 40%.
Enforcement under the Vietnam agreement remains unclear.
3. Enforcement & Compliance Risks
No changes to origin rules - “substantial transformation” criteria remain.
Transshipped goods may face up to 40% penalties, though definitions remain vague.
The Vietnam agreement (20% on exports, 40% for transshipped goods) lacks enforcement guidelines.
4. Broader Trade Impacts
Steel & aluminum tariffs remain 50% (U.K. 25%).
Appliance and metal-part tariffs may affect reinforced luggage designs.
The U.S.-China deal is the first major tariff rollback since 2020.
5. Supply Chain & Cost Pressures
China shipments face a $50/ton surcharge starting October 2025.
Freight costs remain high due to container and chassis tariffs.
Fewer Asia–U.S. routes are causing delays and capacity shortages.
6. Actionable Steps for Sourcing Teams
Search Luggage Manufacturers - explore suppliers in lower-tariff countries.
Refine Suppliers by Region - identify sourcing options beyond high-tariff zones.
Re-evaluate suppliers as China’s tariffs ease in November.
Watch IEEPA court appeals for possible duty refunds.
Review HTS codes to avoid misclassification.
Diversify shipments and build resilient supply chains.
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