The next steps in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) statutory four-year review of Section 301 China tariffs is seeking public comment through its electronic portal starting Nov. 15, 2022, until Jan. 17, 2023.
USTR said last week in a formal notice that it will post several detailed questions before the opening of the docket by Nov. 1 focused on the effectiveness of the Section 301 China actions in achieving the objectives of the investigation, the effects on the U.S. economy and American consumers, as well on other actions that could be taken.
The outcome of the comment process remains uncertain, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported today, but participants likely will influence a rebalancing of Section 301 China tariffs, meaning an increase, decrease or termination of the currently applied tariffs.
USTR’s announcement does not explicitly state that its request for comment will cover all four lists, the RVIA said. The lists are as follows: List 1 / $34 billion (July 6, 2018); List 2 / $16 billion (Aug. 23, 2018); List 3 / $200 billion (Sept. 24, 2018); and List 4A / $300 billion (Sept. 1, 2019). However, RVIA said they “believe the careful phraseology of the formal request implies that this action does indeed cover all four lists.”
If you are interested in participating in this process, the RVIA requests you contact Senior Manager of Government & Political Affairs Samantha Rocci at srocci@rvia.org as soon as possible.