The USTR has extended certain product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports until 31 August 2025.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has announced an extension of specific product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports.
These exclusions will now remain in effect until 31 August 2025.
In prior notices, the USTR modified the actions in the Section 301 investigation of China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation by excluding certain Chinese products from additional duties. This notice announces the U.S. Trade Representative’s determination to extend the current exclusions.
The exclusions, set to expire on 31 May 2025, cover 164 products reinstated in May 2024 and 14 solar manufacturing items added in September 2024.
The section 301 tariffs were introduced in 2018 after a USTR investigation found China engaged in unfair trade practices.
The US then imposed duties on a wide range of Chinese imports. In 2021, the Biden administration reviewed these measures under pressure from industries hit by pandemic-related supply issues, which reinstated some expired exclusions.
In 2024, as part of a 4-year review, the USTR reinstated many exclusions and added new ones, including for solar-related goods. The latest extension allows more time to evaluate the next steps amid rising trade and security tensions with China.
On 2 April 2025, the Trump Administration imposed 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports. Trump also announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries with large US trade deficits, including China, but delayed them for 90 days—except for China—before planning 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. In response, China raised tariffs on US imports to 125%.
Later, China exempted tariffs on pharmaceuticals, microchips, and aircraft components to ease the effects of its trade war with Washington. It also removed tariffs on US ethane imports, easing pressure on Chinese companies reliant on it for petrochemical production.
Trump stated his administration would lower the 145% tariffs on China if trade talks go well.
