Earlier today, the U.S. Trade Representative released the list of proposed products that will be subject to a 25% tariff in response to the Section 301 investigation initiated against China. It remains unclear when the tariffs will commence.
The list covers approximately 1,300 products. The list targets aerospace, technology, and machinery. It also reaches medical equipment, medicine, and electrical components, among others. The full product list can be accessed here.
The list was compiled by trade analysts from several U.S. Government agencies and specifically targeted products that benefit from Chinese industrial policies, such as “Made in China 2025.” The list was refined by removing products identified as likely to cause disruptions to the U.S. economy.
There will be a notice and comment period for parties impacted by the proposed tariffs. All comments must be filed by May 11, 2018. A public hearing will be held in Washington on May 15, 2018.
China is expected to announce additional retaliatory duties on top of those it has already imposed in response to U.S. steel and aluminum duties.
Should you require assistance in preparing comments to the USTR or evaluating the impact to your imports, please contact one of the Rock Trade Law advisors here.