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Section 301 China Tariffs

Current Status

The Section 301 China tariffs implemented in 2018-2019 remain in effect, with most tariff rates unchanged since their initial implementation. While some product exclusions have been extended, the majority have expired, except for a limited set scheduled to expire on May 31, 2025.

Additionally, a new 20% tariff on imports from China was imposed under IEEPA, taking effect on Mar. 4, 2025.

Affected Products

The Section 301 tariffs cover a broad range of Chinese imports across four separate lists:

Section 301 List	Duty Rate	Effective Date	Import Good Value
List 1	25%	July 6, 2018	$34 billion
List 2	25%	Aug. 23, 2018	$16 billion
List 3	25%*	Sept. 24, 2018	$200 billion
List 4a	7.5%	Sept. 1, 2019	$300 billion

*increased from 10% on May 10, 2019

Exclusion Process & Status

Since their implementation, several rounds of product exclusions have been granted by USTR, allowing certain goods to enter the U.S. without tariffs. However, these exclusions have been subject to expiration and periodic renewals.

Current Exclusions

The latest list of active product exclusions is detailed in the Federal Register Notice, Annex C, with an expiration date of May 31, 2025.

View the detailed blog post

Four-Year Anniversary Review

On May 14, 2024, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released the four-year review of the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China.

According to the report, the USTR has recommended that the products from China currently subject to Section 301 tariffs should remain tariffed.

Modifications have been proposed to add or increase tariffs for certain products in strategic sectors, including: battery parts, electric vehicles, solar cells, semiconductors and steel and aluminum products.

View the detailed blog post

Additional Resources

For the latest updates on Section 301 tariffs, exclusions, and trade policy, visit:

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR): Section 301 Tariff Actions

Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Frequently Asked Questions

For businesses impacted by the tariffs, seeking guidance from trade attorneys and customs brokers can help ensure compliance and develop effective cost mitigation strategies.

Background

The Section 301 tariffs on imports from China were implemented by the United States under the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the U.S. to respond to unfair trade practices. The tariffs were imposed after an investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determined that China engaged in forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft, and other unfair trade practices.

The tariffs, which began in 2018, have been applied in multiple rounds, covering a wide range of goods imported from China. These measures are part of a broader trade policy aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over trade imbalances and industrial policies.

Has your business been impacted by Tariffs?

We welcome your feedback to help us better understand and assess the impact of these tariffs on our industry and businesses. Please share with us by contacting Angela Chiang, director, international affairs, at angela.chiang@autocare.org.

Share Your Impact Story

ResourcesResources

On Your Behalf
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter Calling for Extension of Section 301 Tariff Modifications

On Your Behalf
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter Calling for Extension of Section 301 Tariff Exclusions

On Your Behalf
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter to Congress Urging USTR to Conclude Section 301 Four-Year Review

On Your Behalf
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter to USTR Requesting Section 301 Tariff Exclusion Extension

On Your Behalf
Auto Care Association Joins Coalition Letter to Select Committee on CCP

Press Release
Auto Care Association to Host Webinar on Best Practices for USTR China Tariffs 4-Year Review Submissions

Press Release
Auto Care Association Testifies at USITC Hearing on Section 301 Tariffs

Government Actions
USTR Tariff Actions and Exclusion Process: List 1, 2, 3 and 4