The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a new list (‘List 4’) containing “essentially all products not currently covered” by any of the three existing Section 301 tariff lists to be evaluated for future tariffs. Officials have asked the public to submit comments on approximately 3,805 HTS subheadings, totaling $300 billion in Chinese imports, being considered for additional 25% duties.

The list contains products such as toys, apparel, home goods, shoes, electronics, chemicals, sporting goods, etc. However, it excludes the following:

• Products previously granted exclusion from 25% tariffs
• Pharmaceuticals
• Certain chemicals made into prescription drugs
• Rare earth and critical minerals

The notice also contains a section advising on imports originating from foreign trade zones (FTZ):

“Any merchandise subject to the increased tariffs admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after the effective date of the increased tariffs, except those eligible for admission under ‘domestic status’ as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, would have to be admitted as ‘privileged foreign status’ as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and would be subject upon entry for consumption to the additional duty.”

Please refer to the schedule below for all consideration and comment deadlines:

• June 10, 2019: Submissions due to request appearance at the public hearing and summary of testimony.
• June 17, 2019: Public hearing on the Section 301 Committee in the Main Hearing Room of the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

All submission requests must be sent electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal; the docket number is USTR–2019–0004.

For issues with online submissions related to Section 301, please contact: The Office of the United States Trade Representative, (202) 395–5725.

Shapiro will continue to monitor and provide status updates on our Section 301 Tariff News page as they become available.