US Extends Tariff Exclusions on Some Chinese Categories Till May 31

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai speaks to members of the media following a tour of a silicon wafer plant being expanded by South Korean semiconductor manufacturer SK Siltron CSS, in Bay City, Mich., on March 16, 2022. Rebecca Cook/Reuters

WASHINGTON—The office of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Tuesday announced a further extension of China “Section 301” tariff exclusions on 352 Chinese imports and 77 COVID-19-related categories till May 31, 2024.

The Take

The administration of former President Donald Trump used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute aimed at combating trade partners’ unfair practices, to launch the China tariffs in 2018 and 2019.

The import tariff exclusions include industrial components such as pumps and electric motors, some car parts and chemicals, bicycles, and vacuum cleaners. The COVID-related exclusions include medical products like face masks, examination gloves, and hand sanitizing wipes.

What’s Next

The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. The extension till May 31 will allow for further consideration under a statutory four-year review, Tai’s office said in a statement.

Context

U.S. President Joe Biden has retained additional tariffs placed on a plethora of Chinese exports under the previous Trump administration and added new restrictions prohibiting the export of advanced semiconductors and the equipment to make them, citing security concerns.