Tariff Numbers of 301 Hikes Released

Solar manufacturing equipment imported from China will automatically be exempt from 301 tariffs, but a notice published by the Office of U.S. Trade Representative is unclear on when those tariffs will be lifted. A spokesperson said they will be effective on the day the notice is published in the Federal Register.

Exclusions for manufacturing equipment, both solar and in other sectors, will be effective through May 31, 2025. The notice was silent on what would happen to existing exclusions scheduled to expire in nine days.

Companies must apply for an exclusion for manufacturing equipment outside the solar sector, included in more than 100 8-digit tariff lines in headings 8417-8420, 8422, 8429, 8430, 8432-8439, 8441, 8442, 8444-8449, 8451-8465, 8468, 8475, 8477-8479, 8486, 8514, 8515 and 8543 -- and the USTR hasn't yet published how to do that.

The agency also released the 382 HTS subheadings and five statistical reporting numbers that are planned to have increased tariffs under the Section 301 modifications. Those will go up in approximately 90 days, a spokesperson previously said. Comments on those tariff hikes, which include a few additions to the Section 301 target list, may be submitted beginning May 29, and the comment period will be open until June 28.