90 more days: US extends Chinese import exclusions from Section 301 tariffs

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a 90-day extension on a slew of product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports.

The exclusions, previously extended in June, contain 178 items that fall into the categories of chemical materials, electronic components, medical supplies and solar manufacturing equipment.

As a result, these products will continue to be spared from levies of 7.5 to 25 per cent that were imposed on Chinese imports during US President Donald Trump’s first term as part of a Section 301 investigation, which is used to determine if a foreign country’s trade practices impede American commerce.

“The US trade representative’s decision to further extend these exclusions takes into account public comments previously submitted,” the USTR said in a statement on Thursday. “The determination to further extend these exclusions also takes into account the advice of advisory committees and the advice of the interagency Section 301 Committee.

“The US trade representative may continue to consider further extensions or additional modifications as appropriate.”

The Section 301 tariffs had been the primary tool wielded by Washington amid its trade tensions with Beijing, until Trump abruptly escalated his tariff war in April on what he deemed “Liberation Day”.

  

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