Renewal process underway for Section 301 List 1 and 2 tariffs

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a Federal Register notice seeking comments on the possible extension of Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain products imported from China that were granted July 9, 2019. Comments are due June 1 to extend exclusion requests for products on List 1 and List 2, both subject to 25% import duties. Exclusions of these items granted in 2019 expire July 6 and 31, respectively. According to the USTR, the focus of the exclusion evaluation will be whether the product remains available only in China, as well as whether duties on the products will result in severe economic hardship or impact other U.S. interests.

All tariffs exclusions were granted for one year, so NAFEM members with exclusions on Lists 3 and 4 should carefully monitor the Federal Register for the announcement of upcoming comment periods. The USTR also continues to announce tariff exclusions in response to individual companies’ applications. Members are advised to check with their customs brokers regularly for the latest details applicable to their businesses.