US extends tariff exclusions on some Chinese categories till May 31

WASHINGTON : The office of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Tuesday announced a further extension of China "Section 301" tariff exclusions on 352 Chinese import and 77 COVID-19-related categories till May 31, 2024.

The administration of former President Donald Trump used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute aimed at combating trade partners' unfair practices, to launch the China tariffs in 2018 and 2019.

The import tariff exclusions include industrial components such as pumps and electric motors, some car parts and chemicals, bicycles and vacuum cleaners. The COVID-related exclusions include medical products like face masks, examination gloves and hand sanitizing wipes.

The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. The extension will allow for further consideration under the statutory four-year review, Tai's office said in a statement.