USTR Releases List of Chinese Goods Set for $200 Billion in Proposed Tariffs

The U.S. Trade Representative is proposing an additional 10 percent tariff on 6,031 8-digit tariff lines -- about $200 billion worth of imports. Those who wish to testify for or against the inclusion of an item on the list must file by July 27, and written comments are due by August 17. Hearings will be held August 20-23. Senior government officials said a decision on tariffs will be made sometime after August 30.

The notice posted at USTR after close of business July 10 says that staff took into account impacts on consumers, and analysts removed some tariff lines because they were "likely to cause disruptions to the U.S. economy, as well as tariff lines subject to legal or administrative constraints." Food, chemicals, pesticides, minerals, fabrics, construction materials, handbags, luggage, car parts, appliances, machines, televisions, items made from steel and aluminum, batteries, semiconductor assemblies, furniture and more were on the list. Pharmaceuticals of Chapter 30, and apparel and footwear of Chapters 61-64, were not.

USTR is proposing the tariffs because China has not acquiesced to U.S. demands after initial Section 301 tariffs set at 25 percent on $34 billion in Chinese goods. A senior administration official, briefing reporters on the action, said that China is refusing to talk about structural issues in their economy and Made in China 2025. Chinese negotiators' attitude, he said, is that "the problems we've identified aren't real problems. They've continued to claim we're not being hurt... . That's just not serious."