The exclusions to the Section 301 tariffs covering goods deemed necessary for COVID relief efforts have been extended. These exclusions, entered under provisional number 9903.88.66, were scheduled to expire on May 31, but will now be extended to November 30. The US Trade Representative (USTR) did not rule out additional extensions for these products.
This comes at a time when Section 301 tariffs on China origin goods, Rounds 1 and 2, are also being reviewed. Comments on tariffs for goods listed in Round 1 are being accepted here, while comments on tariffs for goods listed in Round two will have an open comment period starting June 24. These reviews are required under a provision in the Section 301 statute, which places a four-year sunset on the tariffs. To extend the tariffs beyond the four-year period, the USTR must review the tariffs and issue a report on their effectiveness in achieving the objectives of the statute. Round 1 was implemented on July 6, 2018, and Round 2 was implemented on August 23, 2018. Both Rounds 3 and 4 will need to be reviewed by September 24, 2022, and September 1, 2023, respectively.
In a separate action, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) began an investigation on the economic impact of both the Section 301 (China) and Section 232 (steel and aluminum) tariffs. This investigation targets US trade, production, and prices in the industries most affected by these tariffs. The USITC is required to present their finding to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in March 2023. The USITC will post information on their website regarding ways individuals and companies may participate.
