US Extends China Tariff Exemptions to August 31 Amid New 301 Probe
Publish Time: 2025-06-03 Origin: Site
1. Tariff Exclusions Extended
New Deadline: August 31, 2025 (from May 31).
Scope: Covers 164 exclusions renewed in May 2024 + 14 new exclusions from September 2024.
Rationale: Based on public comments and interagency review (USTR).
2. New 301 Investigation (April 17)
Targets: China’s shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime sectors.
U.S. Claims: Alleged "unfair practices" harming American competitiveness.
China’s Response:
"Baseless accusations" violating WTO rules.
Cites U.S. $100B+ subsidies to domestic industries as hypocritical.
3. Context & Data
Trump-Era Tariffs: Average U.S. duties on Chinese goods fell from 19.3% (2020) to 10.7% (2024) due to export shifts (PIIE).
WTO Rulings: Previous 301 tariffs deemed illegal; U.S. ignored rulings.
Why This Matters:
Short-Term Relief: Extended exclusions benefit U.S. importers of machinery/consumer goods.
⚠️ Long-Term Risks: New 301 probe could escalate tariffs on $50B+ maritime trade.
Global Impact: Further strains WTO system; may trigger Chinese countermeasures.
Quotes:
USTR: "Review ensures tariffs align with economic priorities."
China’s Commerce Ministry: "U.S. protectionism won’t revive its uncompetitive industries."
Action Items for Businesses:
✅ Check Exclusion Lists: Confirm if your products qualify (USTR Docket No. USTR-2023-0014).
Prepare for Volatility: New maritime tariffs could hit by Q4 2025.
Need help navigating exclusion codes? Request our tariff tracker.