Analysis Confirms Tariff-Targeted Display Products Had Minimal 2017 Import Impact

A Display Supply Chain Consultants analysis of International Trade Commission data confirmed the firm’s initial read that the Chinese-sourced display product lines targeted July 10 for proposed 10 percent Trade Act Section 301 tariffs (see 1807110034) accounted for minuscule import shipments in 2017, DSCC President Bob O’Brien told us. Of the 21 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) product codes listed in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative notice under the “8528" heading for displays, only four of those classifications of imports had customs values exceeding $1 million last year for all countries of origin, including China, said O’Brien. The top four classifications, which combined accounted for only $90 million in imports from China last year, are: (1) HTS 8528.59.10, incomplete or unfinished color video monitors, not incorporating a VCR or video player. Imports from all countries totaled $99.3 million in 2017, of which $72.3 million (73 percent) came from China; (2) HTS 8528.69.10, incomplete or unfinished color video projectors, not incorporating a VCR or player. All 2017 imports totaled $12.4 million, of which $9.1 million (73 percent) were from China; (3) HTS 8528.59.05, incomplete or unfinished color video monitors, incorporating a VCR or player. Total 2017 imports were $9.5 million, of which $2.7 million (29 percent) came from China; (4) HTS 8528.42.00, finished CRT monitors. Total 2017 imports were $8.5 million, of which $5.9 million (69 percent) came from China. O’Brien said many regard CRT monitors as dead, but about 57,000 units were imported to the U.S. last year. Two classifications of flat-panel subassemblies made the tariffs list for the first time: (1) HTS 8529.90.54, flat-panel screen assemblies for TVs, color video monitors and video projectors. Total imports were $30 million, of which $18 million (60 percent) came from China; (2) HTS 9013.80.90, liquid crystal devices and optical appliances and instruments, "not elsewhere specified or included." Total 2017 imports were $834 million, of which $251 million (30 percent) were from China. Canada generated the most 2017 imports in the HTS 9013.80.90 category. Element Electronics sources LCD panels from China under the HTS 9013.80.90 subheading for the sets it assembles in South Carolina, the company told the USTR’s office in May 22 comments. Element representatives declined comment on the potential blow the company faces from having Chinese-sourced LCD panels now included on the proposed tariffs list.