USTR Announces Next Steps in its Four-Year Review of Section 301 China Tariffs

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced last week in a formal notice the next steps in its statutory four-year review of Section 301 China tariffs.

USTR is seeking public comment through its electronic portal starting November 15, 2022 until January 17, 2023. 

USTR will post several detailed questions in advance of the opening of the docket by November 1 focused on the effectiveness of the Section 301 China actions in achieving the objectives of the investigation, the effects on the U.S. economy and American consumers, as well on other actions that could be taken. 

While the exact outcome of this comment process remains uncertain, participants likely will influence a rebalancing of Section 301 China tariffs, meaning an increase, decrease or termination of the currently applied tariffs.  

Last week's USTR announcement does not explicitly state that its request for comment will cover all 4 lists – List 1 / $34 Billion (July 6, 2018); List 2 / $16 Billion (August 23, 2018); List 3 / $200 Billion (September 24, 2018); and, List 4A / $300 Billion (September 1, 2019). However, we believe the careful phraseology of the formal request implies that this action does indeed cover all 4 lists.

Please contact Senior Manager of Government & Political Affairs Samantha Rocci at srocci@rvia.org at your earliest convenience if your company is interested in participating in this process.