21/05/2024

New proposed Tariffs increase

After the mandatory review of Section 301 tariffs on US imports from China concluded on May 14, 2024, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed to increase tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods, with exclusions applying. Federal Register feedback on proposed changes is to be delivered this week.

The USTR advised that so far the tariffs have had little negative effect on U.S. economic welfare, and any impact is mainly linked to China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. The USRT instead highlighted that the tariffs have boosted production and supplier diversification in key industry sectors, while reducing imports from China.

Thus, the USTR proposes not only maintaining all existing tariffs but also increasing tariffs on several categories of goods, with the exceptions of “machinery used in domestic manufacturing provided for under specified eight-digit HTSUS numbers” and “temporary exclusions for certain solar manufacturing equipment”. Details of goods included in the tariff increase proposal are listed in the table below.

The USTR is also proposing to allocate more funds to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for enhanced enforcement of the tariffs, as well as encouraging more cooperation between private companies and the government to prevent technology theft, and promote regular assessments and supply chain diversifications.

Woodland Brokerage Customs Compliance services are able to review current HTS codes and import paperwork to help ensure compliance with changing regulations. Find out more about our Customs Consultancy services here.

29/12/2023

USTR extends Section 301 exclusions until May 2024

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has extended the Section 301 exclusions that are currently in place until May 31, 2024.

The Section 301 tariff exclusions on U.S. imports from China were set to expire on December 31, 2023. Now, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it has extended the Section 301 exclusions that are currently in place until May 31, 2024.

The USTR also advised that it will begin accepting comments on January 22, 2024 on whether to extend the exclusion beyond May. More than 300 goods, including 77 medical care products, are affected.

The exclusion review is part of an ongoing comprehensive tariff review on imports from China, expected to conclude in 2024, and potentially leading to changes in tariff rates. Importers who wish to see the exclusions extended can add comments until February 21, 2024. ​​​​​​

Read more about incoming US tariff changes and how we can support your global supply chain with customs management.

19/12/2023

New Tariffs on U.S. Imports from China expected in 2024

The Section 301 tariff exclusions on U.S. imports from China are set to expire on December 31, 2023. Importers may face new tariffs on the affected goods starting January 1, 2024.

In October 2021, more than 300 goods, including 77 medical care products, were excluded from tariffs under the Section 301 tariff exclusion, with the aim to facilitate urgent care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The complete list of relevant goods is available here, affecting all products meeting the specified HTSUS numbers and product descriptions, regardless of whether the importer filed an exclusion request.

The exclusion review is part of an ongoing general tariff review on imports from China, which may result in the removal of some existing tariffs or the addition of new ones. The review is planned to be completed by the end of 2023, and any reimposed tariffs from the abovementioned exclusion will be added to the existing ones.

We will monitor any changes and provide prompt updates on the tariffs reviewed. At Woodland, we have decades of experience in customs management and our specialised teams offer customs brokerage, tariff classification and consultancy on duties, taxes, and risks, providing you with timely, cost-effective and personalised solutions to keep your goods moving.

We Deliver:

• Tariff suspension applications
• Outsourced customs department and support training
• Export compliance management
• Denied party lists
• Export controls
• Licensing
• Best practice and assured compliance
• Customs consultative services and health checks
• Regime management, such as CFSP, Warehousing and IP/OPR
• Purchase order management
• Retrospective reclaims
• Classification reviews
• Binding ruling
• Customs compliance reviews
• CTPAT gap analysis/CTPAT applications