USTR Seeks Comments on Extending New Tranche 4 Tariff Exclusions Beyond Sept. 1

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is requesting comments on whether new tariff exclusions granted to Chinese imports on Section 301 List 4 that are set to expire Sept. 1 (see 2008060008) should be extended for up to another year, it said in a notice released Aug. 10. The agency is already accepting comments on previously granted extensions that expire on Sept. 1 (see 2007150036). The comments are due by Aug. 20, it said. Each exclusion will be evaluated independently. 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.