Full analysis of U.S. tariff calculation (detailed explanation of customs value, tax rate and calculation method)

Categories:

News Center

Time of issue：

2024-10-18 18:10

The calculation of U.S. tariffs involves a number of factors and is based primarily on the following:

Identify the goodscustoms value：

Transaction price: Generally speaking, the transaction price of goods is the basis for calculating tariffs. But the transaction price here is not simply the price agreed between the buyer and the seller, but is subject to certain regulations and adjustments. For example, if there is a special relationship between the buyer and the seller, which may affect the fairness of the transaction price, the customs will review and adjust the price.

Freight and insurance: In addition to the price of the goods themselves, freight charges for shipping the goods to the United States and insurance premiums during transportation are also included in the customs value. This is because these costs are necessary to bring the goods to the United States and are part of the cost of the goods.

Find the applicableTariff rate：

Commodity classification: The United States uses the Harmonized System Tariff Code (HTS Code) to classify goods. Each commodity has a corresponding HTS code, according to which the applicable tariff rate of the commodity can be determined. For example, different categories of goods, such as electronic products, clothing, food, etc., have different tariff rates. You can check the HTS code of the product and the corresponding tax rate through the official website of the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) and other channels.

Rules of origin: The origin of the goods also affects the tariff rate. The United States has free trade agreements with a number of countries that may enjoy preferential tariff treatment for certain goods from those countries. For example,North American Free Trade Agreement(NAFTA), the United States has special tariff preferences for some goods from Canada and Mexico. Additional tariffs may be imposed on goods from countries that the United States has identified as having unfair trade practices.

The tariff is calculated according to the formula:

ad valorem tax: The most common method of tariff calculation is ad valorem tax, which is calculated as "tariff = dutiable price x".ad valency rate". For example, if the duty-paid value of a shipment is $10.000 and the applicable ad valor rate is 5 per cent, the duty on that shipment is 10.000 x 5 per cent = $500.

　　From the amount of tax: For some specific commodities, such as agricultural products, alcohol, etc., the United States may use specific taxes to impose tariffs. From the volume tax is based on the quantity, weight, volume and other physical units of goods to calculate tariffs, the calculation formula is "tariff-quantity of goods x unit from the volume tax rate". For example, if the unit duty rate for a certain type of agricultural product is $100 per ton and the weight of the imported goods is 5 tons, the tariff on the goods is 5 x 100=$500.

Mixed taxes: There are also some goods that may be taxed using a mixed tax, I .e., taking into account both the value and quantity of the goods. The formula for the calculation of the mixed tax is "tariff s duty-paid price x quantity of goods at the ad valor rate x unit from the tax rate".

In addition, the U.S. government may adjust tariffs or impose additional tariffs on certain goods based on changes in trade policy, special circumstances, or the results of anti-dumping and countervailing investigations. Therefore, when calculating US tariffs, it is necessary to pay close attention to changes in relevant trade policies and regulations.