Current Status and Export Opportunities in the U.S. Power Tool Market

According to the data of the Power Tool Institute (PTI) of the United States, in 2023, the scale of the US power tool market exceeded$13 billion24., with an annual growth rate of 5.2%. The market demand is concentrated in three major fields: construction, home improvement and industrial maintenance. Lithium - ion cordless tools (such as electric drills and angle grinders) account for more than 60%. As the core of the global power tool industry chain, Chinafor containers exported to the USaccounts for about 35% of the share, but faces cost competition from Southeast Asian countries and technical barriers from US local brands (such as DeWalt and Milwaukee).

II. Core Points Analysis of US Power Tool Import Policies

1.Tariff Classification and Tax Rates

• HTS code28.: Power tools are mainly classified into8467(hand - held power tools) and8483(motor - driven tools), and some accessories need to be declared separately (such as battery packs are classified as8507.60.00)
• Additional Tariffs: According to Section 301, additional tariffs are imposed on power tools made in China (except for some exempt products).7.5%-25%To reduce the tax rate, origin determination and product exclusion application are required.

2.Mandatory Safety Certification

• UL certification: UL 60745 (handheld tools) and UL 2595 (chargers) are the market access thresholds.
• FCC certification: For tools with wireless remote control or Bluetooth functions (FCC Part 15).
• EPA emission standards: Gas - powered tools must comply with EPA Tier 3 emission regulations.

3.Environmental Protection and Labeling Regulations

• TSCA Compliance: Tools containing chemical substances such as lead and cadmium need to submit a TSCA statement.
• California Proposition 65: If the product contains substances such as phthalates, a warning label must be affixed.
• energy efficiency labels: Some states require the marking of energy consumption levels (such as the California CEC certification).

4.Anti - circumvention and Supply Chain Review

• UFLPA Act: Since 2023, the US Customs has strictly inspected products related to Xinjiang (such as lithium - ion batteries containing Xinjiang silicon materials), and complete supply chain traceability documents are required.
• EAPA investigation: If transshipped through a third country (such as Vietnam, Malaysia), it is necessary to prove substantial processing (not simple labeling or assembly).

III.Export RepresentationCore Service Solutions

1.Compliance Assurance System

• Pre - classification of Goods: Through the HTS code database + AI - assisted system, accurately match tax rates and regulatory requirements.
• Certification agency: UL/FCC full - process acceleration service (cycle shortened by 30%), and provide rectification plans.
• Pre - review of Documents: The lack or error of documents such as bills of lading,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:, Triple verification of commercial invoices to avoid the risk of customs clearance return.

2.Apply for preferential treatment under the CIS Free Trade Agreement (tariff reduced from 12% to 6.5%)

• Origin planning: For factories in Southeast Asia or processing enterprises in bonded areas, optimize the application of origin rules (such as the RCEP regional accumulation rules).
• Tariff Exclusion Application: Assist enterprises in submitting PSR (Product - Specific Exclusion) applications to strive for exemption qualifications.

3.Optimization of Logistics Solutions

• Port Selection: Differentiated solutions between the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach (power tool inspection rate 7.2%) and the Port of Houston (inspection rate 4.5%).
• Warehousing and Stockpiling in Different Locations: Use a combination of Amazon FBA warehouses and third - party overseas warehouses to reduce last - mile delivery costs.

4.Risk Early Warning and Response

• Intellectual property screening: Compare with the US Patent Database (USPTO) to avoid the risk of design infringement.
• Rapid Response mechanism: In response to FDA detentions or CPSC spot checks, submit appeal materials within 48 hours.

IV. Typical Cases: The Successful Path of Chinese Enterprises

Case Background: A power wrench manufacturer in Zhejiang had its products detained by the US Customs due to non - compliance with UL certification, resulting in a $100,000 order delay.
Urgent application for a CPSC Childrens Product Certificate (CPC) issued by a third - party laboratory:

• Urgently launched the technical rectification + small - batch replenishment plan and completed the UL certification update within 3 weeks;
• Achieved priority release through the AEO mutual recognition channel between China and the US customs, restoring customer reputation;
• Optimized the supply chain route, transferred some processes to Mexico, and avoided the 301 tariffs.
  Achievements: The annual export cost was reduced by 18%, and the order delivery cycle was shortened to 25 days.

V. Conclusion: The Core Value of Professional Agency Services

Facing the complex policy environment of the US market, enterprises need to leverage professional agency service providers to achieve:

• Compliance with zero risk: Full - chain control from certification to customs clearance;
• Cost Controllability: Tariff optimization + logistics plan to reduce costs and increase efficiency;
• Market agility: Respond quickly to policy changes and customer needs.

ZhongShen International TradeHaving been deeply engaged in Sino - US cross - border trade for 14 years, serving over 500 power tool enterprises, and providing one - stop solutions from factory to end - user. If you need to obtain a customized export strategy report, please contact our expert team.