May 13, 2019 – Last night, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a list, also known as “List 4”, of all good imported from China thus covering almost all remaining Chinese imports. Such list is approximately $300 billion worth of goods which also impose a tariff of up to 25%. Access the released notice of “List 4” here. This new potential tariff increase could be implemented as early as June 24 in any amount up to 25%, which is added to the regular rate of duty.
As previously stated, the USTR will be holding a hearing and accepting public comment for this new List 4. The public hearing is scheduled for June 17 and sources share will likely take multiple days. Requests to appear at this hearing will be due June 10. Any post-hearing rebuttals are due 7 days after the last day of the public hearing. Written comments are also due June 17. These include any comment on specific goods or the tariff levels. To learn more on the exclusion process, click here.
Additionally, China has made a move to retaliate with the recent U.S. government’s decision. They announced it will increase its existing retaliatory tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods exported to China. This increase takes place on June 1, 2019. Included in their item list is nonwoven roll goods classified under HTS 5603, various staple fibers under HTS Chapter 55, wipe products under HTS headings 3401, 3402, and more.
Lastly, in a notification from the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), they shared China released a separate notice which the Chinese State Council Customs Tariff Commission announced plans to conduct a pilot Chinese “product exclusion” process that will allow companies who import, manufacture, or use products subject to retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to request an exclusion for those goods. There are specific time frames within which requests must be submitted depending on which retaliation list they are on. Each request will be limited to one product at the eight-digit tariff level and will be evaluated based on difficulty obtaining the product from sources other than the U.S., material injury from the tariff to the requester, and any structural impact of the tariff on relevant industries. Any exclusions granted will remain in effect for one year.