Pressure mounts for exclusion process for List 3 of Chinese import tariffs

The U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has yet to announce an exclusion process for $200 billion worth of Chinese imports subject to 10 percent tariffs on List 3, which includes about 6,000 items and went into effect on Sept. 24. The tariffs on these items will increase to 25 percent Jan. 1, 2019.

In October, more than 150 members of Congress wrote Lighthizer urging him to establish a process that allows U.S. companies to request an exclusion from List 3, consistent from those created for Lists 1 and 2. The exclusion process for List 1 ended Oct. 9. Exclusion requests for items on List 2 are due by Dec. 18.

“Such a process would afford U.S. companies the opportunity to seek relief if tariffs harm their global competitiveness,” wrote the elected officials. “It would help target the effects of the tariffs on China rather than on U.S. companies and their customers.”

U.S. Custom and Border Protection has issued instructions for importing items on Lists 1, 2 and 3 from China. Members should work with their customs brokers to best understand these processes.

NAFEM will continue closely monitoring this issue, including any new announcements from the administration or the Chinese Foreign Minister.