Tech Sector Criticizes New Tariff Proposal for Chinese Imports

摘要

The Office of U.S. Trade Representative is considering adding a 25% tariff to an additional $300 billion of imports from China, triggering expressions of concern from the tech sector. In a draft Federal Register notice posted May 13 on the USTR website as "under consideration," USTR says, "In accordance with the direction of the President, the U.S. Trade Representative (Trade Representative) proposes a modification of the action being taken in this Section 301 investigation of the acts, policies, and practices of the Government of China related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The proposed modification is to take further action in the form of an additional ad valorem duty of up to 25 percent on products of China with an annual trade value of approximately $300 billion. The products subject to this proposed modification are classified in the HTSUS [Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States] subheadings set out in the Annex to this notice. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comment and will hold a public hearing regarding this proposed modification."