Artificial Christmas Trees Remain Subject to U.S. Tariffs

Artificial Christmas trees imported from China will remain subject to existing Section 301 tariffs following a federal review that drew participation from growers across the country.

In June, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a public comment period as it considered potential tariff modifications under a new U.S.–China trade mechanism. After major artificial tree importers argued for an exemption, the National Christmas Tree Association, with assistance from AmericanHort, responded and encouraged growers and others across the industry to submit comments of their own.

Christmas tree growers responded.

NCTA argued that while artificial tree importers pointed to a lack of domestic manufacturing, American consumers already have a domestically produced alternative: farm-grown Christmas trees produced by an estimated 14,000 farms across the country.

The issue extends beyond competition between real and artificial trees. Tariff treatment can affect the pricing of imported artificial trees and the broader U.S. Christmas tree marketplace. According to an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis of U.S. trade data, in recent years 85–95% of artificial Christmas trees imported into the United States have come from China, with import value exceeding $500 million in 2024.

Following the public comment period, USTR issued its final Section 301 action. Artificial Christmas trees were not included among the products granted exemptions and remain subject to the applicable tariffs.

The decision also demonstrates the value of agricultural producers participating in the policy process. Individuals, state associations, and industry partners took the time to submit comments, adding the perspective of American farms and small businesses to a much larger national trade discussion.

CCTA appreciates the efforts of the National Christmas Tree Association and AmericanHort to keep the industry informed and engaged throughout the process. Whatever the issue, opportunities for public comment give agricultural producers a direct way to bring their experience and perspective into policy discussions that affect their industry.