Reimposing tariffs on Chinese goods to strengthen American industry

In a bid to protect American manufacturing, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is reintroducing tariffs on a wide range of goods imported from China.

The decision was announced by the US Trade Representative (USTR) as part of a broader strategy to increase tariffs in key sectors.

Tariffs and exclusions

The United States allows exemptions from tariffs on almost half of the 400 products that were previously exempt from those tariffs. Meanwhile, 164 products covered by these exemptions will remain exempt until May next year. However, all current exemptions that are about to expire will be extended until June 14. This short extension therefore constitutes a transitional period during which these exemptions will not be extended.

Continuation of exclusions

Although some products will still be subject to customs exemptions until May next year, which includes various types of engines, medical equipment, special backpacks, safety seats and some types of crab meat. Products were selected for further exclusion due to their importance and lack of alternative sources outside China.

The Biden administration’s recent actions are a continuation of this trade policy aimed at strengthening American industry | Representative image

Foreclosures ended

However, the exclusion for more than 100 products will not be extended, mainly due to the lack of public comments requesting an extension. However, for other products, the public comments did not demonstrate that extending the exemptions would shift sourcing from China or prove that these imports are unavailable from other sources.

Tariff increases

This reimposition of tariffs is part of a larger plan, and the administration has previously announced significant tariff increases on Chinese electric vehicles, semiconductors, batteries, solar cells and critical minerals. Additionally, these measures address concerns about intellectual property theft by China.

These tariffs were originally imposed by President Donald Trump starting in 2018.

However, the Biden administration’s recent actions represent a continuation of this trade policy, which aims to strengthen U.S. industry and reduce dependence on Chinese imports.