The Current Situation
If you are a US-based food company exploring whether to source IQF frozen fruits or vegetables directly from China, the short answer in 2026 is: the tariff math does not work for most products.
This guide explains exactly why. We break down every layer of the current US tariff structure on Chinese frozen produce, show how the rates stack, and provide the actual numbers so you can evaluate whether any product categories remain viable. We also discuss what alternatives exist for US buyers who need the products that Chinese factories produce at scale.
We write this as a Chinese-origin IQF supplier ourselves. Crestwood Global operates through HACCP, BRC, and IFS-certified facilities in Hebei Province, China. We focus our commercial operations on markets where the tariff economics make Chinese-origin produce competitive — the EU, Canada, and Japan. But we understand the US market well, maintain relationships in the US frozen food industry, and believe that transparent information serves buyers better than vague claims or workarounds.
The Tariff Stack: How Multiple Layers Compound
US tariffs on Chinese goods are not a single rate. They are a stack of independently authorized tariff actions, each with different legal authority, scope, and expiration date. For frozen produce, the stack currently includes four components.
Layer 1: MFN (Most Favored Nation) Base Tariff
This is the standard US import duty rate that applies to all countries with normal trade relations. For frozen produce, MFN rates are set in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and typically range from 3.2% to 17.9% depending on the specific product. Classification note: Frozen edamame (soybeans in pod) can be classified under 0710.22 (frozen vegetables) or under 1201 (soybeans) depending on processing and form. Tariff rates differ significantly between these classifications. Consult a licensed customs broker for your specific product.
| Product | HTSUS Code | MFN Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen broccoli | 0710.80.97 | 14.9% |
| Frozen peas | 0710.21.20 | 7.9% |
| Frozen edamame | 0710.22.35 | 7.9% |
| Frozen spinach | 0710.30.00 | 14.9% |
| Frozen sweet corn | 0710.40.00 | 11.2% + 1.9¢/kg |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 0710.90.85 | 14.9% |
| Frozen strawberries | 0811.10.00 | 11.2% |
| Frozen blueberries | 0811.90.20 | 4.5% |
| Frozen raspberries | 0811.20.20 | 4.4% |
| Frozen mango | 0811.90.80 | 3.2% |
| Frozen peaches | 0811.90.80 | 3.2% |
On their own, these rates are commercially manageable. They are comparable to or lower than what the EU or Japan charges. The problem is what stacks on top. Note: MFN rates are set annually in the HTSUS and can change. Always verify current rates at hts.usitc.gov before making import decisions.
Layer 2: Section 301 Tariffs (USTR China Investigation)
Section 301 tariffs were imposed starting in 2018 following a USTR investigation into China's technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation practices. Most frozen produce from China falls under List 3 or List 4a.
| Section 301 List | Additional Rate | Products Covered |
|---|---|---|
| List 1 (July 2018) | 25% | Primarily industrial goods — most frozen produce not included |
| List 2 (August 2018) | 25% | Primarily industrial goods — most frozen produce not included |
| List 3 (September 2018) | 25% | Broad product coverage including many food products |
| List 4a (September 2019) | 7.5% | Remaining products including additional food items |
Many frozen vegetables (HS 0710) landed on List 3 at 25%, while some frozen fruits (certain HS 0811) landed on List 4a at 7.5%. Verify your exact HTSUS code at the USTR Section 301 search tool.
Layer 3: Fentanyl-Related Tariffs (IEEPA)
In February 2025, the US imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports under IEEPA, citing the flow of illicit fentanyl. This tariff was initially set at 20% but was reduced to 10% as part of the US-China trade arrangement in November 2025. This tariff applies broadly to all Chinese-origin goods, including food products — no product-specific exemptions. Important: The 10% rate is in effect under the November 2025 agreement and is currently set to expire on November 10, 2026. If the agreement is not renewed, the rate could revert to 20% or higher.
Layer 4: Reciprocal Tariffs (IEEPA)
In April 2025, the US imposed 'reciprocal tariffs' on imports from most trading partners. After months of escalation (the rate briefly reached 125%), a trade deal was struck reducing the reciprocal tariff on China to 10%. This was extended through November 10, 2026. If the agreement expires without renewal, the reciprocal tariff could revert to significantly higher levels. Monitor the USTR website for updates as the November 2026 deadline approaches.
Importantly, certain agricultural exemptions exist. Over 237 HTSUS classifications have been exempted from reciprocal tariffs. Some frozen tropical fruits may qualify — but most frozen vegetables and common frozen fruit categories are NOT exempt.
How the Tariffs Stack: Total Effective Rates
The critical thing to understand is that these tariff layers stack — they are added on top of each other, not applied alternatively. Here is how the total rate calculates for representative products:
Example 1: Frozen broccoli florets (HTSUS 0710.80.97, Section 301 List 3)
| MFN base rate | 14.9% |
| Section 301 (List 3) | 25.0% |
| Fentanyl tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Reciprocal tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Total effective rate | 59.9% |
Example 2: Frozen strawberries (HTSUS 0811.10.00, Section 301 List 4a)
| MFN base rate | 11.2% |
| Section 301 (List 4a) | 7.5% |
| Fentanyl tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Reciprocal tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Total effective rate | 38.7% |
Example 3: Frozen mango (HTSUS 0811.90.80, List 4a, potential reciprocal exemption)
| MFN base rate | 3.2% |
| Section 301 (List 4a) | 7.5% |
| Fentanyl tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Reciprocal tariff (if exempted) | 0.0% |
| Total effective rate | 20.7% |
Example 4: Frozen edamame (HTSUS 0710.22.35, Section 301 List 3)
| MFN base rate | 7.9% |
| Section 301 (List 3) | 25.0% |
| Fentanyl tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Reciprocal tariff (IEEPA) | 10.0% |
| Total effective rate | 52.9% |
At 40–60% total duty, the tariff cost on a container of frozen vegetables from China can exceed $12,000–$16,000 on product worth $25,000–$27,000 FOB. That is $450–$600 per metric ton in tariffs alone, before freight, insurance, handling, and customs clearance.
What This Means for Your Landed Cost
To put these tariff rates in practical perspective, here is what a typical container of IQF broccoli florets looks like when you calculate the full landed cost at current rates:
IQF Broccoli Florets — Full Landed Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Amount (per MT) |
|---|---|
| FOB China | $900 |
| Ocean freight (to Los Angeles) | $90 |
| Insurance | $10 |
| CIF value | $1,000 |
| MFN duty (14.9%) | $149 |
| Section 301 (25%) | $250 |
| Fentanyl tariff (10%) | $100 |
| Reciprocal tariff (10%) | $100 |
| Total duties | $599 |
| Port handling & customs clearance | $30 |
| Inland freight (to warehouse) | $40 |
| Total landed cost | ~$1,669/MT |
Market Comparison
For comparison, the same product from the same factory lands in Canada at approximately $1,060/MT (duty near 0–5%), in the EU at approximately $1,180/MT (duty 14.4%), and in Japan at approximately $1,030/MT (duty 6%). The US buyer pays roughly 40–60% more than a Canadian buyer for identical product from the same production line.
Are There Any Exemptions or Workarounds?
US importers naturally ask whether there are ways to reduce the tariff burden. Here are the main options and their limitations:
Section 301 exclusions
USTR periodically grants product-specific exclusions from Section 301 tariffs. These exclusions are narrow, temporary, and subject to renewal. As of late 2025, 178 exclusions were extended through November 2026. However, very few frozen produce items have received exclusions — the focus has been on industrial components, solar manufacturing equipment, and medical devices.
Reciprocal tariff agricultural exemptions
Over 237 HTSUS classifications have been exempted from reciprocal tariffs, primarily agricultural products not substantially produced in the US. Some frozen tropical fruits may qualify. However, most frozen vegetables and common frozen fruit categories (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) are NOT exempt.
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ)
Goods can be admitted into an FTZ without paying duties. If the product is re-exported from the FTZ rather than entering US commerce, no duties are owed. This is relevant for companies that import Chinese-origin IQF produce for processing and re-export. However, FTZ does not help if the product is destined for the US domestic market.
Substantial transformation
If Chinese-origin produce is shipped to a third country, substantially transformed there, and then exported to the US, the country of origin may be the third country. However, CBP scrutinizes these arrangements closely. Transshipment without substantial transformation is illegal and subject to severe penalties including treble duties and criminal prosecution.
De minimis exception
Does not apply to commercial shipments — the de minimis threshold is for individual consumer purchases only.
The honest assessment: there are no broadly applicable workarounds that make Chinese frozen produce cost-competitive for US domestic import at current tariff levels.
What US Buyers Should Consider Instead
If you are a US food manufacturer, distributor, or foodservice company that needs the types of IQF products China produces at scale, several alternative strategies deserve evaluation:
Source from non-China origins for US supply
Mexico, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and several other countries produce IQF fruits and vegetables for the US market at significantly lower total duty rates. Mexico benefits from USMCA duty-free access for many product categories.
Maintain China sourcing for non-US markets
If your business operates internationally — selling to EU, Canadian, Japanese, or other markets — Chinese-origin IQF produce remains highly competitive for those destinations. This 'dual sourcing' approach is increasingly common among multinational food companies.
Monitor tariff developments for re-entry opportunities
The US-China tariff situation is dynamic. The reciprocal tariff reduction is currently extended through November 10, 2026. A meaningful reduction in any tariff layer could reopen the viability window for certain product categories.
Explore value-added product strategies
For some product categories, the tariff burden may be partially offset by sourcing specialty products from China that are not available from alternative origins at comparable quality — rare varieties, specific grades, or custom specifications that command premium pricing.
Timeline: How We Got Here
Understanding the trajectory of US-China tariffs on frozen produce helps contextualize where we are and where things may be going:
The Bottom Line
US tariffs on Chinese frozen produce are currently prohibitive for most product categories. The combination of MFN base rates, Section 301 duties, fentanyl tariffs, and reciprocal tariffs creates a total effective rate of 38–60% on most IQF fruits and vegetables.
We say this as a company that would directly benefit from these tariffs being lower. Crestwood Global sources from HACCP, BRC, and IFS-certified facilities in China with over 40 years of export experience. We supply major EU brands and maintain product lines covering 100+ SKUs across fruits, vegetables, and blends. The products are excellent. The US tariff environment simply does not allow them to compete in the American market right now.
What we can do for US-based companies is provide transparent guidance on alternative market strategies and support sourcing for your EU, Canadian, or Japanese supply chains — where Chinese-origin IQF produce is highly competitive and we are actively shipping.
Contact Our Team
Justin Ratti, General Manager (USA)
justin@crestwoodglobal.com
+1 (224) 534-9799
WhatsApp: +1 (802) 558-4860
Jianfang Liu, General Manager (China)
jianfangliu@hebdingyu.com
+86 133 7301 6588
Official Tariff Resources
Related Resources
Tariff rates and trade policy information in this guide are current as of early 2026 and subject to change. The US-China reciprocal tariff reduction is currently extended through November 10, 2026. Always verify current rates with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or a licensed customs broker before making sourcing commitments. Crestwood Global is not a customs brokerage and does not provide legal or regulatory advice.
Exploring Alternative Markets?
Chinese-origin IQF produce remains highly competitive in EU, Canadian, and Japanese markets. We can help you evaluate your options.