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What Is a Tariff? The Basics of Import Taxes Explained

You’ve probably heard the word tossed around in the news—“New tariffs imposed on imports from China!”—but what exactly is a tariff, and how does it impact your project or business?


Whether you're importing custom lighting, stone countertops, or steel-framed doors, understanding tariffs is crucial to calculating your true costs. Let’s break it down in simple, Supply Junkie style.


What Is a Tariff?

A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on goods that are imported into (or sometimes exported from) the country.

For U.S. importers, this means extra fees tacked on top of the base cost of your products—and those fees can vary wildly depending on what you're bringing in and where it’s coming from.

Tariffs serve a few purposes:

  • 💸 Revenue for the government

  • 🛡️ Protection for domestic industries

  • 🎯 Leverage in trade negotiations or disputes


Types of Tariffs You Might Encounter

  1. General Duty TariffsThese are standard and based on your product’s HTS code. For example, porcelain sinks might carry a 4.2% tariff.

  2. Section 301 TariffsThese were introduced during the U.S.–China trade dispute. Many goods from China now carry an additional 7.5% to 25% tariff on top of the general duty.

  3. Section 232 TariffsThese apply to steel and aluminum imports from certain countries—think windows, doors, or iron hardware.

  4. Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD)These are extra fees placed on products believed to be priced unfairly low (i.e., "dumped") into the U.S. market. Commonly seen with quartz, porcelain, and certain metals.


Why Tariffs Matter

If you’re not aware of applicable tariffs, you could be blindsided at customs—and that could blow your budget. Here's an example:

Let’s say you're importing aluminum-framed windows valued at $15,000.

  • General duty: 5% = $750

  • Section 232 tariff on aluminum: 10% = $1,500

  • Total tariffs: $2,250

💡 Surprise tariffs are one of the most common mistakes new importers make.


How Supply Junkie Can Help

We don’t just help you source beautiful materials—we help you understand the full picture. That includes:

  • 💬 Researching applicable tariffs

  • 📋 Providing accurate landed cost quotes

  • 💼 Working with licensed customs brokers

  • 🚫 Helping you avoid expensive surprises


Importing doesn’t have to feel like a game of chance. With the right guidance, you can plan smarter, price better, and protect your profits.


Want us to do the math? Let’s talk.

 
 
 

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