The USTR has released its proposed “List 4” of Chinese products that will be subject to a duty of up to 25% in response to the Section 301 investigation initiated against China. It remains unclear when the tariffs would commence.
The list represents approximately $300 billion in imports last year and covers essentially all products that have yet to be affected by previous Section 301 investigation tariffs from lists 1,2 and 3. The new list covers toys, apparel, home goods, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and chemicals. The full product list can be accessed here.
The list excludes: pharmaceuticals, certain chemicals made into prescription drugs, rare earth minerals and critical minerals. Product exclusions previously granted will also be spared any additional duties.
There will be a notice and comment period for parties impacted by the proposed tariffs. All comments must be filed by June 17, 2019. A public hearing will convene in Washington on the same date. The due date for filing requests to appear in the hearing is June 10, 2019.
The USTR is requesting comments with respect to any aspect of the proposed actions, including:
The specific tariff subheadings to be subject to increased duties, including whether the subheadings listed in the Annex should be retained or removed, or whether subheadings not currently on the list should be added;
The level of the increase, if any, in the rate of duty; and
The appropriate aggregate level of trade to be covered by additional duties.
The USTR “requests that commenters address specifically whether imposing increased duties on a particular product would be practicable or effective to obtain the elimination of China’s acts, policies, and practices, and whether imposing additional duties on a particular product would cause disproportionate economic harm to U.S. interests, including small- or medium-size businesses and consumers.”
Should you be interested in learning more about making a comment submission, please contact one of the professionals here.