The Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that it is extending certain product-specific exclusions related to the treatment of COVID-19 from the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China until March 31, 2021. On March 25, 2020, the USTR announced that it was seeking comments on the possible exemption of medical goods from the Section 301 tariffs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 in the United States, USTR determined that the re-imposition of duties on these goods would be inappropriate and that the “additional duties to these products could impact U.S. preparedness to address COVID-19.” USTR’s extension notice covers twenty-four (24) products off of List 1, mostly electronic medical equipment, including products related to X-ray and anesthesia.
Husch Blackwell continues to monitor the status of the Section 301 tariffs and will provide any updates as further developments occur. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these recent extensions or the Section 301 tariffs in general, please contact our International Trade and Supply Chain team.