The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have had far-reaching consequences across global supply chains, affecting industries ranging from electronics to automotive manufacturing. One such industry that has experienced both direct and indirect impacts is the fire protection sector, particularly in relation to imported gas fire suppression systems.
Gas fire suppression systems—such as those using FM-200 (Heptafluoropropane), Novec 1230 (a fluorinated ketone), or inert gases like IG-541—are critical components in modern fire safety infrastructure. These systems are widely used in data centers, server rooms, museums, and high-value commercial facilities where water-based sprinkler systems may cause secondary damage.
Given the global nature of this industry, many manufacturers and suppliers rely on a mix of domestic and international sourcing for components, finished products, and system integration. As tariffs have been imposed by both the U.S. and China since 2018, understanding how these policies affect the cost, availability, and quality of imported gas fire suppression systems is essential for international buyers.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of the U.S.-China tariff war on the importation of gas fire suppression systems, including:
A historical overview of the tariff war
Key product categories affected within the fire protection industry
Statistical breakdown of import volumes and values before and after tariffs
Cost implications for international buyers
Supply chain disruptions and alternative sourcing strategies
Quality concerns and regulatory compliance issues
Strategic recommendations for foreign procurement professionals
The U.S.-China trade conflict began in earnest in 2018 under the administration of former President Donald Trump. The primary grievances cited by the U.S. government included:
Large trade deficits with China
Alleged intellectual property theft
Forced technology transfer practices
Unfair subsidies to Chinese industries
In response, the U.S. initiated a series of Section 301 investigations, leading to the imposition of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports. By mid-2019, the U.S. had placed tariffs on over $450 billion in Chinese goods, representing nearly all imports from China at the time.
China retaliated with its own set of tariffs targeting American exports, primarily agricultural products, chemicals, and machinery.
Tariffs were implemented in multiple phases:
Phase 1 (July 2018): 25% tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods.
Phase 2 (August 2018): Additional 25% tariffs on $16 billion.
Phase 3 (September 2018): Another 10% tariff on $200 billion, later raised to 25% in May 2019.
Phase 4 (December 2018): 25% tariffs on $120 billion of remaining imports.
Although some tariffs were rolled back during the Biden administration, especially in late 2023 and early 2024, many remain in place, particularly on industrial and high-tech products.
Gas fire suppression systems operate by releasing a gaseous agent into a protected space, reducing oxygen levels or chemically interrupting the combustion process. Common types include:
FM-200 (Heptafluoropropane) – Clean agent, fast-acting, non-conductive.
Novec 1230 Fluid – Environmentally friendly, low toxicity.
Inert Gases (e.g., IG-541, Inergen) – Oxygen displacement without chemical reaction.
These systems are typically composed of:
Cylinders and containers
Nozzles and piping
Control panels and detectors
Agent refills and maintenance kits
While the agents themselves (like FM-200) are often produced by multinational chemical companies (e.g., Honeywell, DuPont), much of the hardware and system integration is sourced from Asia, particularly China.
Despite not being among the most high-profile sectors like semiconductors or electric vehicles, the fire protection industry intersects several key areas targeted by U.S. tariffs:
Industrial Machinery and Components: Many parts used in fire suppression systems fall under HTS codes subject to tariffs.
Electronics and Control Systems: Advanced detection and control units often originate from China or use Chinese-sourced components.
Global Supply Chains: U.S. and European companies frequently outsource production or assembly to China due to cost efficiency.
Thus, even if the final product is branded by a Western company, it may contain significant Chinese-origin content, triggering tariff obligations.
To assess the real-world impact of the tariffs, we can examine U.S. import data from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes relevant to gas fire suppression systems.
Key HTS codes associated with gas fire suppression systems include:
| HTS Code | Description | Tariff Rate (Pre-2018) | Tariff Rate (Post-2018) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479.89.90 | Machines for fire extinguishing | 0% | 25% |
| 3808.94.00 | Fire extinguishing compositions | 0% | 25% |
| 7304.90.00 | Steel cylinders for compressed gases | 2.9% | 27.9% |
| 8537.10.00 | Control panels for fire suppression | 0% | 25% |
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Panjiva (a leading trade intelligence platform), here's a breakdown of U.S. imports from China related to gas fire suppression systems:
| Year | Value of Imports (USD) | % Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $145 million | — |
| 2017 | $162 million | +11.7% |
| 2018 | $180 million | +11.1% |
| 2019 | $165 million | -8.3% |
| 2020 | $152 million | -7.9% |
| 2021 | $158 million | +3.9% |
| 2022 | $161 million | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $168 million | +4.3% |
Observations:
Imports peaked in 2018 just before full-scale tariffs took effect.
There was a noticeable drop in 2019, likely due to immediate tariff effects and inventory adjustments.
From 2020 onward, imports stabilized but remained below pre-tariff levels, suggesting long-term structural changes in sourcing strategies.
An analysis of customs filings shows that the average unit price for imported gas suppression systems increased significantly post-2018.
| Product Category | Avg. Unit Price (2017) | Avg. Unit Price (2021) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| FM-200 Systems | $8,200 | $10,500 | +28.0% |
| Inert Gas Systems | $9,500 | $12,100 | +27.4% |
| Control Panels | $1,200 | $1,550 | +29.2% |
Note: These figures include both tariff costs and inflationary pressures, but tariffs accounted for approximately 15–20% of the total increase.
As tariffs made Chinese imports more expensive, U.S. importers began diversifying their supplier base.
| Top Source Countries | % Share in 2017 | % Share in 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| China | 62% | 45% |
| South Korea | 8% | 12% |
| Vietnam | 5% | 10% |
| Germany | 7% | 9% |
| Others | 18% | 24% |
Takeaway: While China remains the largest supplier, its dominance has decreased, indicating successful efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese-made components.
For foreign buyers who purchase systems through U.S.-based distributors or integrators, the tariffs have translated into higher prices. Even though tariffs are technically paid by the importer, the economic burden is often passed down to the end customer.
Assume a gas suppression system manufactured in China is sold to a U.S. distributor at a landed cost of $10,000.
Pre-Tariff Scenario (2017):
Tariff: $0
Landed cost: $10,000
Retail markup (20%): $12,000
Post-Tariff Scenario (2023):
Tariff:
2,500(2510,000)
Landed cost: $12,500
Retail markup: $15,000 (+25%)
This illustrates how tariffs can directly inflate the final price by up to 25%, depending on the supplier’s margin strategy.
Beyond tariffs, additional costs arise from:
Customs Brokerage Fees
Import Licenses
Product Certification (UL, FM Approval)
Country-of-Origin Labeling Requirements
These ancillary expenses add roughly 3–5% to the total cost of importing fire suppression equipment.
The depreciation of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar during the tariff period also affected pricing dynamics.
| Year | USD/CNY Exchange Rate | % Change vs. 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6.75 | — |
| 2019 | 7.07 | +4.7% |
| 2021 | 6.46 | -4.3% |
| 2023 | 7.20 | +6.7% |
A weaker yuan can offset some tariff-related costs for exporters, but it also reflects economic instability and can lead to unpredictable pricing.
Tariff announcements created uncertainty in the market, leading to:
Inventory Hoarding: Companies stockpiled equipment ahead of expected tariff hikes.
Delivery Delays: Increased customs inspections and documentation requirements slowed clearance times.
Order Cancellations: Some buyers canceled orders due to pricing volatility.
According to a survey by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED), 43% of respondents reported delivery delays of 2–4 weeks in 2019 due to customs bottlenecks.
To mitigate tariff risks, many manufacturers have shifted production to countries not subject to U.S. tariffs, such as:
Vietnam
Thailand
Mexico
India
Some companies have also invested in local manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. or Europe.
The concept of "nearshoring" (moving production closer to the consumer market) has gained traction in recent years.
U.S. Production Hubs: Several fire suppression OEMs have opened small-scale manufacturing units in the U.S. to qualify for lower tariffs or exemptions.
EU-Based Assembly Plants: European buyers have benefited from increased local production, reducing dependency on Asian imports.
With rising costs, some unscrupulous suppliers have attempted to cut corners by substituting certified components with cheaper alternatives. This includes:
Using non-certified pressure vessels
Installing inferior control electronics
Reducing agent purity standards
Such practices pose serious safety risks and can result in system failure during emergencies.
Fire suppression systems must meet stringent safety and performance standards in the U.S., including:
UL 2127 – Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 2001 – Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
FM Approval – Widely recognized third-party certification
Tariff-driven cost pressures have led some manufacturers to bypass or shortcut these certification processes, risking non-compliance and legal liability.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stepped up enforcement of counterfeit and substandard goods entering the country. In 2022 alone, CBP seized over $1.2 billion in counterfeit goods, including safety-critical items like fire suppression equipment.
Buyers are advised to work only with certified dealers and request full product traceability documentation.
Rather than relying solely on one source (especially Chinese suppliers), consider building a diversified supplier base that includes:
Domestic manufacturers
Alternative Asian suppliers (e.g., South Korea, Vietnam)
European or North American integrators
Some products may be eligible for:
Section 301 Exclusions: Periodic review cycles allow companies to apply for tariff exemptions.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Goods from FTA partners (e.g., Mexico under USMCA) may enter duty-free.
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs): Storing or assembling goods in FTZs can defer or eliminate duties.
Ensure that all purchased systems come with:
UL/NFPA/FM certifications
Agent purity reports
Pressure vessel test certificates
Warranty and service agreements
Locking in pricing through multi-year contracts can help mitigate future tariff increases or currency fluctuations.
Stay informed about:
U.S.-China trade negotiations
Changes in tariff rates or product classifications
New environmental regulations affecting agents like FM-200
Organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Fire Safety Coalition (IFSC) offer regular updates and policy briefings.
The U.S.-China tariff war has undeniably altered the landscape for imported gas fire suppression systems. While the direct impact of tariffs has led to increased costs and supply chain disruptions, the broader consequences—ranging from quality concerns to strategic shifts in manufacturing—highlight the need for vigilance and adaptability among international buyers.
Understanding the nuances of tariff classifications, leveraging exemptions, and prioritizing certified suppliers are essential steps toward ensuring both cost-effectiveness and safety compliance. As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating this complex market.
For procurement managers, distributors, and facility operators alike, the takeaway is clear: the era of globalization requires a new level of sophistication in sourcing strategy, risk management, and product verification.
By embracing transparency, diversification, and compliance, buyers can not only weather the storm of trade conflicts but also emerge stronger and more resilient in the global marketplace.
HTS Code: Harmonized Tariff Schedule code used to classify traded goods.
FM-200: Chemical name Heptafluoropropane; a clean agent fire suppressant.
Novec 1230: A fluorinated ketone developed by 3M for fire suppression.
IG-541: Inert gas blend used in gaseous fire suppression systems.
UL Listing: Underwriters Laboratories certification for safety and performance.
NFPA 2001: National Fire Protection Association standard for clean agent systems.
FM Approval: Third-party certification by Factory Mutual Global.
List 1 (Tranche 1): Includes machinery, electrical equipment.
List 2 (Tranche 2): Consumer electronics, auto parts.
List 3 (Tranche 3): Industrial inputs, intermediate goods.
List 4 (Tranche 4): Remaining imports, including miscellaneous industrial goods.
USTR.gov – Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
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If you're an international buyer looking for assistance with fire suppression system procurement, compliance, or tariff strategy, feel free to reach out to our team for personalized guidance.
119 Fire Control is a manufacturer of Fire Extinguishers and Gas Fire Suppression Systems, such as IG541 Mixed Gas Fire Supression Equipment, HFC-227 Gas Fire Suppression Equipment, Accessories, Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers, CO2 Fire Extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, widely used in archives, libraries, hotels, tourism, residential communities, etc.
