US-China tariffs hit 35% for most electronics in 2026. Seven criteria for vetting whether your sourcing agent can navigate the new tariff landscape.
Until 2024, choosing a China sourcing agent came down to three things: supplier network depth, quality control capability, and English fluency. Those still matter. But in 2026, with US-China tariffs stacked at roughly 35% for most electronics categories, your sourcing agent's trade compliance literacy has become equally critical — and most agents have not updated their knowledge past 2022.
This guide covers the seven criteria that now determine whether a sourcing agent will cost you money or save it, and the specific questions to ask before committing to a relationship.
For the current tariff rate structure and landed cost formula, see our China Electronics Tariffs 2026 guide. This guide assumes you already understand the landscape and focuses on how to find an agent who can navigate it.
Why tariff competence became a tier-1 criterion
