April 20, 2018
The U.S. Trade Representative released a proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on approximately 1,300 products from China. This proposal is part of the administration’s response to counter the $375 billion trade deficit with China and unfair trade practices that USTR found on China’s policies and practices on technology transfer and intellectual property. The proposed tariffs target Chinese products valued at approximately $50 billion. To view the USTR notice and proposed list of products click here.
USTR is soliciting comments on its proposal and will hold a hearing on May 15, 2018. Comments may address any aspect of the proposal including the specific products to be subject to tariffs (if products should be retained, removed or added to the list) and the level of increase, if any. To assure consideration, comments must be submitted in accordance with the following schedule:
*April 23th, 2018: due date for filing requests to appear and a summary of expected testimony at public hearing
* May 11th, 2018: Due date for submission of written comments
*May 15th, 2018: public hearing in main hearing room of USTR, 500 E Street SW Washington DC 20436 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
*May 22nd, 2018: Due date for submission of post-hearing rebuttal comments
To submit comments, please click here. Docket number is USTR-2018-0005. For alternatives to online submissions, please contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-9483. Further information about USTR’s request for comments may be found here.
On March 1, 2018, the government of China announced that it will impose tariffs on 120 U.S. products including steel and aluminum. This decision followed recent measures taken by the United States to detain and diminish Chinese imports. U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer revealed a list of goods which would be subject to 25 percent tariffs for $50 billion worth of Chinese products including machinery, agricultural equipment and tech goods. These tariffs aim to alleviate the $375 billion trade deficit with China.
China’s announcement states a 15 percent tariff will be added to fruits, nuts, wine and steel pipes, while a 25 percent tariff will be added to pork and aluminum. The trade value of these products combined surpasses $3 billion.
As San Diego’s third highest export destination with a total value of $794 million, tariffs represent a critical threat to our region. Trade supports more than 110,000 jobs in San Diego, and many studies have shown that the average U.S. household saves about $10,000 per year in lower prices paid for imported goods. The Chamber will continue its advocacy for free trade and cross-border commerce.
