ad valorem

adjective

ad va·​lo·​rem ˌad-və-ˈlȯr-əm 

: imposed at a rate percent of value

ad valorem tax on goods

compare specific entry 1 sense 5b

Examples of ad valorem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For China, a 125 percent ad valorem tariff has been imposed on most imports as of April 9. CBP has also confirmed that the previous exemption—which had allowed shipments valued under a certain threshold to enter duty-free—was revoked effective May 2. —Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

However, if ad valorem tariffs are going to be significant, why even have specific tariffs? —Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Non-Tariff Barriers For significant ad valorem tariffs, there is an opportunity for simplification. —Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Trump’s ad valorem and flat-duty rates on low-value packages sent via international post also skyrocketed. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ad valōrem "according to the value"

First Known Use

circa 1754, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ad valorem

• digitorum
• aurum
• foram
• forum
• quorum
• decorum
• picloram
• pullorum
• neonatorum

Legal Definition

ad valorem

adjective

ad va·​lo·​rem ˈad-və-ˈlōr-əm, ˈäd-vä-ˈlō-rem 

: imposed at a rate based on a percent of value

an ad valorem tax on real estate

Etymology

Latin, according to the value