USTR Proposes Two-Month Extension of Section 301 Suspension on China Maritime Fees
Published Oct. 26, 2026
Key Points
- USTR proposes extending the suspension of Section 301 actions targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors through January 9, 2027.
- The proposed extension would keep specified maritime transport service fees and duties suspended for two additional months.
- Interested parties must submit comments by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Comments must be submitted through USTR’s online portal under docket number USTR-2026-0694.
- The proposed extension would allow the U.S. to continue negotiations with China over the practices addressed in the investigation.
The
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on a proposal to extend the suspension of Section 301 actions targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The current suspension ends November 9, 2026. USTR proposes extending it from November 10, 2026, through January 9, 2027, to allow further negotiations with China. During the proposed suspension period, parties would not accrue liability for or be required to pay the covered maritime transport service fees and duties, while discussions on the investigated trade practices continue.
Which Fees and Duties Would Remain Suspended?
The proposed extension would keep the following charges suspended:
- Maritime transport service fees under Annexes I, II, and III of the April 23, 2025, notice, as modified by the October 16, 2025, notice.
- Duties listed under Annex V.A of the October 16, 2025, notice.
If adopted, the extension would run from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 10, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 9, 2027.
USTR has not finalized the proposal. The existing suspension remains scheduled to end on November 9, 2026, unless further action is taken.
Comment Deadline and Submission
USTR opened the comment period on October 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested parties must submit written comments by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time for consideration.
Submit comments through the USTR electronic portal using docket number USTR-2026-0694. Select the docket titled “Request for Comments on Further Suspension of Section 301 Action: China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance.” An account is not required to submit comments.
Submitters requesting confidential treatment must mark confidential information and certify that its disclosure could endanger trade secrets or profitability and that it is not customarily made public. They must also provide a public version of any comments containing confidential attachments.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
Subscribe!
