United States Trade Representative Clarifies 10% “List 4” Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Goods Is Two-Step Process
On August 13, 2019 the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued two lists of Chinese-origin goods that will be subject to 10% tariffs. The first list, List 4A, identifies tariff lines that will be subject to additional duties of 10% effective September 1, 2019. The second list, List 4B, identifies certain tariff lines for which duties will not go into effect until December 15, 2019. Products on List 4B include, among other things, cell phones, laptop computers, video game consoles, certain toys, computer monitors, and certain items of footwear and clothing. The announcement comes after the Trump Administration indicated on August 1, 2019 that it intended to impose additional Section 301 tariffs covering $300 billion in consumer and industrial items, nearly all Chinese imports not subject to the prior three rounds of tariffs.
The USTR press release accompanying the announcement indicates that some of the tariff lines originally proposed for inclusion in the scope of the List 4 tariffs have been removed entirely for health, safety, national security, and other reasons. The press release also indicates that USTR intends to conduct an exclusion process for products subject to the additional 10% tariffs.
We are closely reviewing the original proposal and final lists to determine the exact products that have been removed.
Should you have any questions regarding the additional 10% List 4 tariffs and how they may affect your imports, Wiley Rein’s International Trade Practice is well-positioned to help.
