On August 1, 2018, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced it was considering raising the proposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods imported from China from 10% to 25%.[1] This is the latest in a long string of developments aimed at urging China to stop its unfair practices, open its market, and engage in true market competition. These proposed tariffs are in addition to the previously announced tariffs on $34 billion worth of goods, as well as the $16 billion that have been proposed.[2] The reason for the tariff increase is what the Trump Administration calls, China’s illegal retaliation against U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.

The proposed tariffs on $200 billion of goods imported from China were originally announced on July 10, 2018,[3] and published to the Federal Register on July 17^th. As a result of the change in proposed duty rate from 10% to 25%, interested parties now have until August 13, 2018 to file a request to appear at a public hearing in Washington D.C. The hearing in Washington D.C. will be held over August 20-23. Also, the deadline for all comments to the proposed tariffs on $200 billion of goods has now been extended to September 5.

            Comments can be submitted for any aspect of the proposed tariffs, including:

• The specific tariff subheadings to be subject to increased duties, including whether specific subheadings should be removed or added;
• The level of the increase, if any, in the rate of duty; and
• The appropriate aggregate level of trade to be covered by additional duties.

According to USTR, commenters should specifically note whether the proposed increased duties would be effective to obtain the elimination of China’s acts, policies, and practices. Additionally, commenters should note whether the increased duties will cause disproportionate harm to U.S. interests, including small or medium size businesses.

Requests to appear at the public hearing and public comments should be submitted to regulations.gov, under docket number USTR-2018-0026. The deadline is fast approaching, and parties who are interested in filing a public comment or appearing at the public hearing should act fast to ensure they meet the applicable deadlines. Torres Law has and will continue to monitor any and all related tariff developments.