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03 June 2025

USTR extends certain exclusions from China Section 301 tariffs

  • On 31 May 2025, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced a three-month extension of certain product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, effective from 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2025.
  • The extension include 164 exclusions announced on 30 May 2024 and 14 exclusions covering certain solar manufacturing equipment announced on 18 September 2024.
  • US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide guidance on the entry procedures and implementation of these exclusions and the USTR may consider further extensions or modifications as deemed appropriate.
  • Companies importing goods into the US should stay updated on trade policy developments, review product classifications for eligibility and monitor CBP instructions to effectively navigate the changing tariff landscape.
 

On 31 May 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a three-month extension of certain product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports. This decision affects 164 exclusions previously extended in May 2024 and 14 exclusions granted in September 2024, including items such as solar manufacturing equipment.

Key highlights:

  • Scope of exclusions: The exclusions pertain to products described under specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) headings, notably 9903.88.691 and 9903.88.70,2 as detailed in US notes 20(vvv)(i)-(iv) and 20(www) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS.
  • Effective period: The extended exclusions apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, between 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on 1 June 2025, and 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 31 August 2025.
  • Implementation: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide guidance on entry procedures and implementation of these exclusions.

The USTR may consider further extensions or modifications as deemed appropriate.

Action for businesses to consider

Companies that import into the US should consider the following actions:

  • Keep up with the latest news and developments in trade policies and stay adaptable to quickly respond to changes in trade regulations and tariff rates.
  • Perform due diligence by reviewing product descriptions and classifications against the eligibility requirements.
  • Monitor for further CBP instructions on claiming exclusions.
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Endnotes

1 See full details in Federal Register notice 89 FR 46948.

2 See full details in Federal Register notice 89 FR 76581.

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Contact Information

For additional information concerning this Alert, please contact:

Ernst & Young LLP (United States), Global Trade

Ernst & Young LLP (United States), WCEY

Published by NTD’s Tax Technical Knowledge Services group; Carolyn Wright, legal editor

Document ID: 2025-1186

 

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