It seems like in modern society, we cannot go through life without electronic devices. Thanks to appliances, we have more time to ourselves, and carrying a smartphone is a necessity. China has moved smoothly from a low-cost sector and low technology to a value-added industry and high technology, becoming a global production base for electronics. Despite being a developing country, China exports loads of devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and electronic components. In 2017, the value of China’s electronics manufacturing services market reached around $300 billion, and in 2023, the value of it is supposed to break $500 billion. Do you want to import such goods from China? Check the current US import duty on electronics.
Electronics from China – production areas
The electronics factories are mainly placed in provinces like Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. These three provinces are one of the most industrialized regions in China. Specifically, the most condensed cities with such factories are Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Dongguan, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Changzhou, and Suzhou.
You can find the largest concentration of trading companies in Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Dongguan, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai; mostly in the same provinces as the factories mentioned above.
Electronics from China – trade fairs
If you plan to import electronics from China, attending a trade show is a good way to start looking for a business partner. There is no better place than trade fairs to familiarize yourself with the latest trends on the market and successfully negotiate deals. We suggest taking a look at the following electronics trade fairs in China.
- Asia’s Lightweight Automotive Trade Fair
Localization: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China
Website: lightweightasia.com
- China Electronics Fair West Show
Location: Chengdu Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Centre (CCNICEC), Sichuan, Chengdu, China
Website: chengdu.icef.com.cn/en
- Beijing Consumer Electronics Expo
Location: Beijing – China National Convention Centre (CNCC), Beijing, China
Website: 3eexpo.cn/CE
- China International Optoelectronic Exposition
Location: Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition, Shenzhen, China
Website: cioe.cn/en/about.html
- Asia China Expo
Location: A Zone, China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex, Guangzhou, China
Website: gtiexpo.com.tw
US import duty on electronics from China
There are many kinds of electronics. Below is a list containing chosen devices. Before making an order, check for updated US import duty on electronics here.
Article – Heading/Subheading – Rates of duty
- Laptops – 8471.30.01 – 0%
- Telephones – 8517.13.00 – 0%
- Lithium-ion batteries (power banks) – 8507.60.00 – 3.4%
- Monitors and projectors – 8528.59.33 – 5%
- Keyboards – 8471.60.20 – 0%
- Smartwatches – 8517.62.90 – 0%
- Microphones – 8518.10.40 – 0%
- Electronic calculators – 8470.10.00 – 0%
- Digital still image video cameras – 525.80.40 – 0%
- Monitors and projectors – 8528.59.33 – 5%
- Printers – 8443.31.00 – 0%
In matters of the ongoing US and China trade war, the Trump Administration put 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of goods, including intermediate electronics. Currently, the ongoing US and China trade war doesn’t affect US import duty on electronics such as TVs or smartphones. However, the Trump Administration is considering imposing an additional 25% tariff on Chinese technology goods, including consumer electronics.
But it’s partially the importers that pay for tariffs on China’s goods. CBP collects the tax, which must be paid within 10 days of the shipment clearing customs. The price rises on the consumer side. In fear of losing business, Chinese companies offer discount prices for their goods. That way, both sides suffer losses – the US and China. Despite that, it seems like tariffs will not be lifted for the time being.
Electronics from China – requirements
To provide the best offer, make certain goods have the following features: durable, explosion-proof, waterproof, or dust-proof. You also should have pre-shipment inspections conducted. Although UL certification is non-mandatory, it is recommended and well-received.
Furthermore, the importer must provide a test report to prove that the product is in compliance with the FCC. An FCC certification is usually obtainable for a couple of hundred dollars. It’s quite difficult to find manufacturers who comply with regulations, so search for suppliers who work with larger US buyers, as they already are compliant.
It is also desirable that the supplier of your choice has a reliable quality management system certified with ISO9001.
In addition, to make sure that the company of your choice is dependable, it’s best to have your Chinese supplier verified.