Tariffs Are Now a Reality When Shipping from China to the US: Why DDP Door-to-Door Shipping Is the Best Solution
- CNXtrans
- Sep 19
- 6 min read
Global trade between China and the United States continues to grow, but the way businesses import has changed dramatically in recent years. Once, importers could rely on the de minimis threshold of USD $800, which exempted many small shipments from duties and tariffs. Today, however, tariffs apply to a much broader range of goods and shipment values. This has left importers—especially small and medium-sized businesses—scrambling to find reliable, cost-predictable shipping solutions.
The best solution in this new trade environment is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) door-to-door shipping, which takes the uncertainty, complexity, and stress out of importing from China to the US. By working with a reliable freight forwarder such as CNXtrans, importers can ensure that customs clearance, tariffs, duties, and delivery are all handled seamlessly—so goods arrive directly at their US destination without unexpected costs or delays.
This article explains the new tariff reality, why de minimis exemptions no longer protect importers, how DDP shipping works, and why CNXtrans is the ideal freight forwarder for US importers shipping from China.
1. The Changing Landscape of Tariffs on Shipments From China to the US
For years, the US maintained a de minimis threshold of USD $800. This meant shipments valued below $800 could enter duty-free, without tariffs, taxes, or customs clearance fees. Many e-commerce sellers and small businesses relied on this rule, splitting shipments into smaller parcels to avoid paying duties.
But in the current trade environment:
Tariffs now cover a wide range of Chinese goods across nearly every category, from textiles and electronics to furniture and machinery.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) applies tariffs regardless of shipment size. Even shipments that previously fell under the $800 threshold may now attract duties.
Enforcement has tightened, with CBP actively scrutinizing shipments to ensure compliance.
This means importers can no longer count on avoiding tariffs by keeping shipment values low. Whether shipping one carton or an entire container, tariffs have become a reality.
2. The Problems Importers Face With Tariffs
Tariffs create several challenges for US importers of goods from China:
Unpredictable CostsImporters often don’t know the final landed cost of their goods until they clear US customs. This makes it hard to plan margins and set prices.
Administrative HasslesClearing customs, filing tariffs, and paying duties requires paperwork and compliance knowledge. Many small businesses are unfamiliar with HS codes, tariff schedules, or the customs declaration process.
Cash Flow ImpactDuties and tariffs must often be paid upfront before goods can be released. This can strain cash flow, especially for small businesses.
Risk of Delays or SeizuresIf paperwork is incomplete or tariffs are unpaid, shipments can be delayed at customs or even seized.
The result is stress, uncertainty, and unnecessary financial strain for importers. That’s why DDP shipping is becoming the preferred choice.
3. What Is DDP Door-to-Door Shipping?
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is an Incoterm that shifts the responsibility of duties, tariffs, and customs clearance to the seller or their freight forwarder. For importers in the US, this means:
The forwarder arranges pickup from the supplier in China.
Goods are transported by air or sea to the US.
The forwarder clears customs in the US under DDP.
All tariffs, duties, and taxes are paid in advance by the forwarder.
Goods are delivered directly to the importer’s or customer’s door in the US.
From the importer’s perspective, DDP means one all-inclusive price that covers shipping, duties, tariffs, customs clearance, and delivery.
4. Why DDP Is the Best Way to Ship From China to the US Under the Current Tariff Regime
With tariffs now unavoidable, DDP shipping offers major advantages:
a) Complete Cost Transparency
Instead of guessing how much tariffs and duties will be, importers pay a single quoted price upfront. No surprises at customs.
b) Hassle-Free Customs Clearance
The freight forwarder handles all paperwork, HS codes, and declarations. Importers don’t need to navigate CBP requirements themselves.
c) Time and Effort Saved
No need to coordinate with customs brokers, make tariff payments, or worry about shipment holds.
d) Peace of Mind
Importers can rest assured knowing tariffs and duties are already handled. Goods arrive at their door ready to use or sell.
e) Scalable for All Shipment Sizes
Whether you’re shipping small parcels, air freight pallets, or full sea containers, DDP works for all sizes. This is especially important since tariffs now apply to even small shipments that once qualified under de minimis rules.
5. Air Freight vs. Sea Freight on a DDP Basis
Air Freight DDP:
Best for urgent, smaller, or high-value shipments.
Transit times from China to the US are typically 5–10 days.
Tariffs, customs clearance, and delivery included.
Sea Freight DDP:
Best for larger, heavier, or bulk shipments where cost is the priority.
Transit times are longer (25–40 days depending on route and port).
All tariffs and duties prepaid, goods delivered to final destination in the US.
With DDP service, both air and sea freight options can be offered, giving businesses flexibility to choose speed or cost efficiency depending on the shipment.
6. Why CNXtrans Is the Best Freight Forwarder for DDP Shipping From China to the US
Choosing the right freight forwarder is critical. DDP requires expertise in customs clearance, tariff payments, and end-to-end logistics. CNXtrans stands out as a trusted partner for US importers because:
Door-to-Door DDP Service: CNXtrans handles pickup from your Chinese suppliers, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery in the US.
Inclusive of Duties and Tariffs: All customs duties and tariffs are prepaid, so there are no hidden costs when goods arrive.
Air and Sea Freight Options: Whether you need fast air courier service or cost-effective ocean freight, CNXtrans provides both on a DDP basis.
Reliable Customs Clearance: Shipments are cleared quickly and efficiently, avoiding delays and penalties.
Peace of Mind for Importers: Businesses can focus on sales and operations while CNXtrans manages the entire shipping process.
By partnering with CNXtrans, importers eliminate the stress of US customs and tariff payments. Goods are delivered directly to their warehouse or customers’ doors, ready for distribution.
7. Example: The Difference DDP Makes
Imagine a US-based e-commerce business importing $5,000 worth of consumer electronics from China.
Without DDP:The shipment arrives in the US, and customs imposes a tariff of 25%. That’s an additional $1,250 due immediately. The importer is unprepared and faces delays, cash flow issues, and possible penalties for late payment.
With DDP (via CNXtrans):The forwarder quotes an all-inclusive price of $6,250 upfront, covering shipping, tariffs, and delivery. The importer pays once, and the goods arrive at their US warehouse within 8 days with no additional charges or customs issues.
The difference is clear: DDP saves stress, prevents delays, and allows predictable financial planning.
8. Who Should Use DDP Shipping?
DDP is particularly valuable for:
E-commerce sellers shipping directly to US customers.
Small businesses that can’t afford unexpected customs charges.
Companies with limited customs expertise who want a hassle-free solution.
Businesses shipping small parcels or samples that used to rely on de minimis exemptions.
Larger importers who want predictable costs for sea freight containers.
In short, DDP shipping works for everyone—from small startups to established distributors—because tariffs are now universal.
9. The Future of US–China Trade and Tariffs
It’s clear that tariffs will continue to shape trade between China and the US. While policies may evolve, businesses should expect tariffs to remain a long-term reality. De minimis exemptions are unlikely to provide consistent relief, and customs enforcement will only get stricter.
That means importers need a sustainable shipping solution. DDP shipping ensures compliance, cost certainty, and smooth delivery, no matter what trade policies may come next.
10. Final Thoughts
Tariffs have fundamentally changed the way businesses import from China to the US. The days of relying on the $800 de minimis exemption are gone. Today, all shipments—big or small—are subject to tariffs and duties.
The best way to manage this new reality is through DDP door-to-door shipping, which ensures that customs clearance, tariffs, and delivery are handled in advance. Importers enjoy cost transparency, hassle-free logistics, and peace of mind.
For businesses seeking a reliable partner, CNXtrans is the ideal freight forwarder. With their expertise in door-to-door DDP shipping via both air and sea freight, CNXtrans guarantees that your goods arrive in the US without surprises or hidden costs.
By choosing CNXtrans, you take the guesswork, hassle, and stress out of importing from China to the US—allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.
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