USTR extends reinstated, COVID-related exclusions in Section 301 probe

USTR announced the opening of a docket for public comments on existing exclusions on January 22 next year. 

The extension will enable the orderly review of the exclusions consistent with statutory factors and objectives to identify in which cases additional time would enable shifts in sourcing to the United States or third countries. 

The extension will also facilitate the alignment of further decisions on these exclusions with the ongoing four-year review, a USTR release said.

The Americans for Free Trade, a broad coalition of American businesses, trade organisations and workers, appreciated the short extension with a bit of concern.

“These exclusions are needed to provide economic relief for American businesses, especially during a time of unprecedented disruptions to global supply chains. However, we are frustrated that USTR announced this short-term extension with little notice, making it difficult for businesses to plan,” the coalition said in a statement.

“While we appreciate the opportunity to comment on extending the exclusions, USTR must ensure every action it takes under its Section 301 authority is transparent and offer stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the results of the review,” it noted.

“We strongly urge USTR not to sunset the exclusions as indicated and again call upon the agency to provide more advance notice regarding the existing exclusions as well as provide a robust and transparent exclusion process for all products that continue to be subject to the China Section 301 tariffs,” it added.

Expressing disappointment over USTR continuing to ‘drag out’ the review despite receiving hundreds of comments from businesses who have been affected by the tariffs, the coalition renewed its call for USTR to immediately release the results of the four-year review of the China Section 301 tariffs, which has been ongoing since May last year.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)