Section 301 China Tariffs
Latest Update: USTR Section 301 Four-Year Review
Download: USTR 4-Year Review Submission Form (Word Doc)
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On Nov. 15, 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) opened the public comment portal for stakeholders to submit comments in its four-year review of the Section 301 tariffs
on imports from China.
The USTR submission form (pdf) collects information in three areas:
- Effectiveness of the Actions & Economy-wide Comments
- Sector/Industry-Specific Comments
- Product Specific Comments
More information can be found on the main USTR four-year review webpage.
The web portal for comments will be closed to comments on Jan. 17, 2023.
Note that these are comments regarding the impact of tariffs, not requests for tariff exclusions. USTR has not determined whether it will renew existing exclusions or provide an opportunity for new exclusions to be requested; comments will inform on that decision.
Written comments can be submitted on USTR’s web portal at https://comments.USTR.gov through docket number USTR-202-0014.
Background
USTR issued a notice in May 2022 commencing the statutory process required leading up to the four-year anniversary of the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China. Under phase one of the review, USTR sought comments from domestic stakeholders for requests to continue the Section 301 actions. Following receipt of those requests, USTR confirmed the continuation to phase two of the review.How This Impacts You
We encourage you to share your story through the Auto Care Association’s member survey. Your feedback will play a valuable role in the association's written comments and in our efforts to continuously strengthen our advocacy efforts.
The Issue
In Aug. 2017, President Trump directed the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to conduct an investigation into China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. On March 22, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum announcing that the United States would take multiple steps to protect American technology and intellectual property from certain discriminatory and burdensome trade practices by China.
USTR published four lists of imports from China that are subject to Section 301 tariffs ranging from 15% to 25%. USTR previously granted exclusions on certain products but most exclusions are expired. Details for each tariff list can be found in the links below:
Our Position
The variable production line of broad parts in low volumes needed by our industry to support vehicle maintenance and repair requires a tremendously complex network of smaller sub-suppliers that does not exist in the U.S. and would be both time and cost prohibitive to replicate. As Congress and the Administration continue to develop a trade strategy with respect to China, they should ensure that American consumers and businesses are not penalized.
The 25% tariff on these goods will create burdensome liquidity problems for American companies, who are already being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and ultimately can only be viewed as a pass-through tax on the cost of auto repair and maintenance.
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Resources
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter Calling for Extension of Section 301 Tariff Modifications
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter Calling for Extension of Section 301 Tariff Exclusions
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter to Congress Urging USTR to Conclude Section 301 Four-Year Review
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter to USTR Requesting Section 301 Tariff Exclusion Extension