USTR Extends Section 301 Tariff Exemptions on Chinese Goods Until August 31

In Brief:

The U.S. Trade Representative has extended key tariff exemptions on Chinese imports through August 31, 2025.

The move delays expiration of previous waivers related to technology and intellectual property trade measures.

On May 31 (local time), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a short-term extension of existing tariff exemptions tied to the Section 301 investigation into China’s trade practices. The exemptions, which were scheduled to expire on May 31, have now been extended through August 31, 2025.

Section 301 tariffs were originally imposed in response to concerns over China’s policies on technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and innovation. While broad tariffs remain in place, the USTR previously granted exemptions on specific goods to alleviate economic pressure on U.S. businesses.

This extension ensures that select U.S. importers will continue to benefit from reduced costs on designated Chinese products for an additional three months. The move likely reflects ongoing policy deliberations amid rising tensions over global trade and domestic inflation.

The USTR has not yet clarified whether a longer-term review or overhaul of the tariff structure is forthcoming. However, the short extension signals the Biden administration’s cautious balancing of trade enforcement and economic impact.

Further updates are expected in the coming months as the USTR continues evaluating U.S.-China trade dynamics.

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