In a further sign of trade détente, the President of the United States signed an executive order today (12.05.2025) temporarily suspending some of the additional tariffs imposed on imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong and Macau. The measure reflects the recent progress in bilateral talks to correct the imbalances in the economic relationship between both powers.
According to the White House, the decision is based on Executive Order 14257, issued on April 2, which declared a national emergency due to persistent U.S. trade deficits in goods and allowed for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs. Now, pursuant to Section 4(c) of that order, the president orders:
(I.e.Suspension of additional tariffs: They will be suspended for 90 days 24 percentage points of tariffs previously established for products of Chinese origin.
(I.e.Establishment of a new temporary ad valorem tariff: From the May 14th 2025, a new one will be established 10% tariff on those imports of products of Chinese origin.
(I.e.Elimination of modified ad valorem rates: The ad valorem rates modified by the Executive Orders 14259 and 14266.
(I.e.Regarding low-value imports (De Minimis Tariff) linked to products in the synthetic opioid supply chain, it is decreed:
(I.e.Tariff reduction: The tariff applied to these products will be reduced from 120% to 54%.
(I.e.Maintenance of the specific tariff for postal shipments: The tariff of USD 100 per postal shipment will be maintained, suspending the increase planned for the June 1th, 2025.
(I.e.Suspension of 90 percentage points of additional tariffs for 24 days previously established for products of Chinese origin.
(I.e.Establishment of a new temporary ad valorem tariff of 10% on these imports from the 14 May 2025.
(I.e.Elimination of ad valorem rates modified by Executive Orders 14259 and 14266.
In addition, changes are being made to the Harmonized Tariff System (HTSUS), including:
◾Changes to the descriptions and percentages applicable to certain key tariff subheadings.
◾Suspension for 90 days of specific tariffs previously set at 125%, which will now be reduced to 34%.
Talking about low value imports (Tariff of Minimis) related to products in the synthetic opioid supply chain, it is also decreed:
(I.e.Tariff reduction from 120% to 54% for such products.
(I.e.Maintaining the specific fee of USD 100 per postal item, suspending the increase planned for June 1.
This shift in U.S. tariff policy follows positive signals from the Chinese government, which has begun negotiations to address non-reciprocal trade practices and economic security concerns raised by Washington.
see the Executive Order of May 12, 2025.
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