USTR to Consider Extensions for Just-Issued and Coming Exclusions Beyond Sept. 1

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is requesting comments on whether recently granted (see 2007090035) and coming tariff exclusions on Chinese imports on Section 301 List 4 should be extended beyond Sept. 1, it said in a notice. While USTR recently issued a request for comment on the previous five sets of exclusions expiring Sept. 1 (see 2006250001), it is also considering extensions for “exclusions granted under the sixth notice and a forthcoming seventh notice of product exclusions.” The agency will start accepting comments on the extensions on July 15. The comments are due by Aug. 14, it said. The evaluation's focus will be on whether, despite the first imposition of these additional duties, the particular product remains available only from China. The companies are required to post a public rationale.