USTR’s latest tariff list targets metals from China

Early April proposal bumps some types of aluminum from China up from 10 percent to 25 percent tariff.


The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as part of what it calls the “U.S. response to China’s unfair trade practices related to the forced transfer of U.S. technology and intellectual property,” published April 5, 2018, a proposed list of products imported from China that could be subject to additional or new tariffs.

The issuance of the list by the USTR follows closely on the heels of China announcing its own measures, including enacting its 25 percent tariff on aluminum scrap shipped from the U.S., starting Monday, April 2.

Citing a U.S. Trade Act of 1974 Section 301 investigation conducted by the USTR, the Trump administration announced in March that the U.S. intended to impose tariffs on approximately $50 billion worth of Chinese imports in response to China’s policies that “coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises.”

The USTR adds, “These policies bolster China’s stated intention of seizing economic leadership in advanced technology as set forth in its industrial plans, such as ‘Made in China 2025.’”

The list of products and intended tariff increases, which can be found here, runs 45 pages in length and includes “approximately 1,300 separate tariff lines,” according to the USTR.

The portion that lists metals and alloys covers nearly eight pages of the 45-page total and includes:

  • more than 55 types of iron and steel products;
  • ·nearly 20 types of stainless steel;
  • several dozen other types of alloyed steels, including tool steels and electrical steel; and
  • more than two dozen types of aluminum alloys, shapes or products.

The list also includes a wide range of appliances, machinery, electronics goods and vehicles.

According to the USTR, “The proposed list of products is based on extensive interagency economic analysis and would target products that benefit from China’s industrial plans while minimizing the impact on the U.S. economy. Sectors subject to the proposed tariffs include industries such as aerospace, information and communication technology, robotics and machinery.”

The list of products will undergo further review in a public notice and comment process, including a hearing. After that, USTR will issue what it calls a final determination of the products staying on the list.

“Today’s announcement comes just days after the USTR filed a request for consultations with China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address China’s discriminatory technology licensing requirements,” states the USTR. The agency adds, “Such consultations are the first step in the WTO dispute settlement process. If the United States and China are unable to reach a solution through consultations, the United States may request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel to review the matter.”

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