What is the average US tariff rate overall?

Updated monthly
About 9.9% in January 2026. The average effective tariff rate shows how much the US collects in customs duties as a percentage of the total value of imported goods. However, imports may have different tariff rates (or none at all) depending on factors like country of origin, product type, trade agreements, and much more.

9.9%

Average effective tariff rate (January 2026)

7.7%

Average effective tariff rate (2025)
In 2024, the average effective tariff rate was 2.3%. The rate in January 2026 was 9.9%, 7.4 percentage points higher than the same month in 2024.

The average effective tariff rate was 9.9% in January 2026.

Monthly average effective tariff rate (customs duty revenue as a share of good imports)

How have tariff rates varied over time?

Before the federal income tax was established, tariffs and other customs charges were the largest source of federal revenues in the 18th and 19th centuries. Between 1863 and 1914, about half of federal revenue came from customs duties and half from internal sources such as excise taxes. By 1915, income taxes and other internal revenue had become the government's largest source of revenue, and customs duties played a smaller role.
From 1891 to 1914, the average effective tariff rate was about 23%. The rate mostly decreased over the following decades until it increased from 2018 to 2021. In 2025, the rate was 7.7%, an increase from 2.3% in 2024.

In 2025, the average effective tariff rate was 7.7%.

Average effective tariff rate (customs duty revenue as a share of good imports)

How are tariff rates determined?

The tariff rate on imported goods depends largely on where those goods originate. US trade policy uses a mix of tools to raise or lower rates by country, such as:
  • Trade agreements: Free trade agreements, like the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), set many tariffs at zero between partners. The US has free trade agreements with 20 countries.
  • Normal trade relations: Most countries trade with the US under “normal trade relations” status, which provides standard tariff rates.
  • Special cases: Some nations, including Cuba, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea, do not have “normal trade relations” status. Imports from these countries face higher rates set by law.
  • Preference programs: Some developing countries qualify for reduced rates under special programs. For example, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) lets many sub-Saharan African nations export textiles and other goods duty-free.
  • Product mix: The types of goods imported from a country also matter. For example, agricultural products or textiles may carry higher rates than raw materials like metals or oil.
These factors explain why the map shows clusters of low rates among US trade partners and higher rates for countries without trade agreements or special status.

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What countries have the highest tariffs?

In 2024, the highest average tariff rates were on goods imports from Bangladesh, China, and Sri Lanka, each above 10%. Rates ranged from 15.1% in Bangladesh to 0% in many countries, including Botswana and Equatorial Guinea.
By January 2026, the highest effective tariff rate was 46.9% on imports from Burma followed by Laos (40%) and Lesotho (37.4%). Many countries and areas continued to face rates close to 0%.

In January 2026, Burma had the highest tariff rate at 46.9%.

Average effective tariff rate, by country or geographic area (January 2026 and 2024)

Tariff rates also vary depending on the type of goods imported. Categories such as apparel and textiles tend to face higher average rates, while raw materials and agricultural products often face lower rates.
In 2024, the highest average effective tariff rate was for apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted at 14.9%. In January 2026, it was aluminum and articles thereof at 41.1%.

Average effective tariff rates, by goods imports categories

Average effective tariff rates, by goods imports categories
1.

Aluminum and articles thereof

41.1%
2.

Articles of iron and steel

39.3%
3.

Apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

33.1%
4.

Apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

32.8%
5.

Carpets and other textile floor coverings

31.7%
6.

Articles of leather, saddles, travel goods, handbags, & animal gut articles

30.2%
7.

Railway or tramway locomotives, track fixtures, mechanical traffic signalling equipment, etc.

30.2%
8.

Footwear, gaiter, & parts of such articles

30.1%
9.

Other textile articles, sets, worn clothing, & rags

29.7%
10.

Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials, basketware and wickerwork

29.2%

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Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.