With US tariffs on Chinese goods hitting historic highs, importers face unprecedented cost pressures. Here's what to expect and how to protect your business.
The first quarter of 2026 has brought a wave of new tariff announcements that have left many importers scrambling. US tariffs on goods from China now exceed 60% in many categories, with additional duties on steel, aluminum, and semiconductors affecting manufacturers across industries.
What's changed?
The Trade Act tariff schedule updated in January 2026 expanded Section 301 tariffs to cover more consumer goods categories. For businesses importing from China, Vietnam, and several Southeast Asian nations, the effective tariff rate has increased by an average of 15-25 percentage points.
Industries most affected:
How trade credit insurance helps:
When tariff increases squeeze margins to the point where buyers can't pay, trade credit insurance covers up to 90% of unpaid invoices. Several carriers now offer specific tariff disruption riders that activate when tariff increases exceed a threshold.
