The Impact of US Tariffs on Underwear Imports: 2025-2026 Trade Policy Update
📋 Direct Answer: US Section 301 tariffs add 7.5% on knitted cotton underwear, combined with standard MFN rates of 7.4-8.9% for an effective rate of 15-34%. The de minimis exemption ($800) still applies to DTC shipments, making small parcel the most tariff-efficient channel. Strategic options: negotiate FOB pricing to offset tariff costs, or shift lower-margin styles to Vietnam to reduce tariff exposure.
The Impact of US Tariffs on Underwear Imports: —
US trade policy continues to evolve, directly impacting underwear import costs. Understanding the current tariff landscape helps OEM buyers make informed sourcing decisions. Here’s what underwear importers need to know for 2025-2026.
Current Tariff Structure
Key Insight: US tariffs on Chinese underwear imports remain at Section 301 rates of 7.5% for most knitted cotton underwear (HTS 6107.11), with an additional 7.5-25% on synthetic fiber items. Combined with standard US duty rates (7.4-8.9%), the effective tariff on Chinese underwear imports is 15-34%. De minimis ($800) exemption still applies to direct-to-consumer shipments, making DTC a viable tariff-avoidance channel for small parcels. Compare tariffs →
MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate for knitted cotton underwear (HS 6107.11): 7.4%. Section 301 additional tariff on Chinese underwear: 7.5% (reduced from 25% in 2019). Total US duty for Chinese underwear: approximately 15%. For comparison: Vietnam (0% under GSP), Bangladesh (0%), India (7.4%).
De Minimis Rule Changes
The $800 de minimis threshold for duty-free imports is under review. Proposed changes would eliminate de minimis for Section 301-covered goods (including underwear). This would affect DTC brands shipping direct-to-consumer from China.
Strategic Responses
1. FOB pricing with duty drawbacks where applicable. 2. Warehousing in US to reduce DTC shipping costs. 3. Mexico nearshoring for quick-turn replenishment. 4. Diversifying fabric sourcing while maintaining Chinese production quality.
Long-Term Outlook
Tariff uncertainty is the new normal. The most resilient strategy is supply chain flexibility combined with strong OEM partner relationships. Visit US market page or contact Unitex for tariff-optimized sourcing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I avoid Section 301 tariffs by shipping to a different country first?
A: No — tariffs apply based on country of origin, not country of shipment. Chinese-made goods are subject to Section 301 tariffs regardless of transshipment route. Circumvention attempts can result in penalties of up to 300% of the dutiable value.
Q: Will tariffs increase in 2026?
A: The current administration has proposed increasing Section 301 rates on Chinese apparel from 7.5% to 25-30%. If implemented, the total tariff on Chinese underwear would reach 35-40% — making Vietnam and other ASEAN alternatives more cost-competitive for price-sensitive basics.
· Xiamen Unitex Trade Co., Ltd. — OEM & ODM underwear sourcing partner
Unitex Underwear (Xiamen Unitex Trade Co., Ltd.) — OEM/ODM underwear sourcing and supply-chain partner in Xiamen, China; in the trade since 2009, incorporated in 2013.