In late September, Washington and Beijing announced two things that matter to anyone who brings Chinese-made ice makers into the US: a longer trade truce, and product lists under a new "30-for-30" tariff framework. Here is what the official documents say. The short version: coffee makers and toasters are on the US list. Ice makers are not.

What was announced

  • The truce runs longer. In October 2025, the two sides agreed in Kuala Lumpur to suspend some tariff and non-tariff measures until November 10, 2026. China's Ministry of Commerce said on September 28 that the arrangement now runs to January 10, 2027. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had announced the extension on September 23.
  • A "30-for-30" framework. Under terms of reference dated September 27, each side named about $30 billion of goods it imports from the other, based on 2024 trade values, for lower tariffs. The White House published the US list: 77 tariff lines of Chinese products.
  • No rates or start dates yet. The terms say cuts will be set "in accordance with each side's domestic legal processes." China's Ministry of Commerce said tariffs on about 90% of the products on each list would fall to most-favored-nation levels, and that both sides would make the cuts at the same time. As of early October, no rates or dates had been published, so importers keep paying current duties.

Coffee makers are on the list. Ice makers are not.

The US list is mostly consumer goods: textiles, toys, sporting goods, holiday decorations and a few small appliances. Here is how kitchen appliances compare:

ProductUS tariff codeOn the US list?
Coffee and tea makers8516.71Yes
Toasters8516.72Yes
Microwave ovens8516.50Yes
Food processors8509.40Yes
Ice makers8418.69.0110No

The US tariff schedule lists "icemaking machines" under 8418.69.0110, and in a 2018 ruling US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) put a portable household ice maker from China in that same subheading. No 8418 line appears on the new list. So for ice makers, countertop or commercial, nothing changes for now.

If you bring ice makers from China into the US, budget with today's duty rates. The new list does not cover heading 8418.

What it means for you

Cafés, bars and shops in the US

There is no announced tariff cut on ice makers to wait for. If your machine can't keep up, plan the purchase around your own busy season, not around trade headlines. When you compare quotes, look at the whole picture: daily output, ice type, cleaning time and after-sales support matter as much as the price tag.

Brands and importers

  1. Check the code on your paperwork. The general US duty for icemaking machines is listed as free; the extra cost on Chinese-made units comes from China-specific duties on top. (CBP's 2018 ruling, for example, noted an additional Section 301 duty.) Ask a licensed customs broker for the full, current rate for your exact product.
  2. Price with today's duties, and keep a second scenario ready for after January 10, 2027.
  3. Mind the calendar. Chinese New Year falls on February 6, 2027, less than four weeks after the truce date, and the factory holidays around it tighten production and shipping. If you need stock for spring, talk to your supplier about production slots now.
  4. Watch for official notices. Rates and timing will come through each side's legal process. The terms also say the lists will not be adjusted more than once a year, and they may be expanded to more products later.

Buyers outside the US

The framework covers trade between the US and China only. It does not change duties in Europe, the UK or other markets.

Planning a private-label order?

If you sell ice makers under your own brand, start the paperwork early. Our OEM page shows how we work with brands, from the first brief and quote through samples, production, inspection and shipping. Tell us your target market and timeline, and we reply by email with a plan, lead time and quote.

Note: this post is general information, not legal or customs advice. Check your own case with a licensed customs broker.