Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi has informed Reuters that the U.S. is carefully evaluating the continuation of tariffs on Chinese goods, a decision that won’t be swayed by any significant improvements in U.S.-China trade relations. Bianchi stated that the Biden administration is keeping an open dialogue with China across various platforms, but it isn’t anticipating a major breakthrough.
Speaking at the conclusion of a ministerial meeting on U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework discussions, Bianchi stated, “Our evaluation is being conducted from an analytical perspective. We are not basing this review on any expected major advancements in trade ties with China. We’re not operating under the assumption that such a scenario will occur.”
In the decision-making process, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) is studying industry and stakeholder feedback on the tariffs, in collaboration with the U.S. Commerce Department, the Treasury, and other agencies. This analysis will help decide which categories are logically strategic, said Bianchi, who oversees the USTR’s Asian activities.
The Trump administration imposed these tariffs on various Chinese goods in 2018 and 2019, valued at about $370 billion back then, following a “Section 301” investigation that revealed China’s misuse of U.S. intellectual property and forced technology transfers.
The current duties range from 7.5% on several consumer goods to 25% on vehicles, industrial components, semiconductors, and other electronics. However, significant categories such as mobile phones, laptops, and gaming consoles were excluded from the tariffs.
The review, necessitated by Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, began with preliminary procedures in May 2022, four years after the initial imposition of tariffs. While Bianchi didn’t provide a specific end date for the review, she suggested that the conclusion might reasonably be expected by the end of 2023.
Bianchi emphasized the importance of open dialogue between the U.S. and China for the global economy, despite ongoing trade and national security issues. She acknowledged that discussions around trade between the two nations remain challenging, but it is crucial for these conversations to continue.
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