Possible Increase in Tariffs for Importers as Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Expire on Jan. 1

Trade Update • December 11, 2023

As of January 1, 2024, importers of various goods from China may confront the possibility of increased tariffs, contingent on the expiration of numerous Section 301 tariff exclusions scheduled for December 31. These exclusions encompass over 300 products (refer to the full list here), along with specific exemptions for 77 medical care products (refer to the full list here), required to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, these exclusions are applicable to any product meeting the designated HTSUS numbers and product descriptions, regardless of whether or not the importer submitted an exclusion request.

Reinstatement of Tariffs

The reinstatement of tariffs, if it occurs, will change the existing tariffs in place on imports from China that are worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Regardless of the outcome of the Biden administration’s review, expected to be completed by the end of 2023, it is predicted that these tariffs will persist. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has suggested the possibility of modifications, which may involve removals or additions, along with the potential introduction of a new exclusion process.

Questions about your products/imports affected by Section 301 tariffs and/or exclusions? Please contact us, we’re here to help.