NewsToday, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced modifications to the actions taken under the Section 301 investigation into China's practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. Among the changes are 14 temporary exclusions for solar manufacturing equipment and an exclusion process for select products imported under subheadings under Chapters 84 and 85 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This new exclusion process is a significant opportunity for importers to receive temporary relief from the Section 301 tariffs. These actions follow the publication of a comprehensive report on the Section 301 investigation and a May 2024 Presidential Memorandum directing USTR to maintain and modify tariff rates on certain Chinese products. The memorandum also prioritized exclusions for solar manufacturing equipment and other machinery critical to domestic manufacturing. The new machinery exclusion process allows individuals and organizations to request exclusions from the Section 301 tariffs for certain imports under HTS Chapters 84 and 85 by providing detailed product descriptions and robust justifications. The list of eligible subheadings is included here starting on page 76590. Some subheadings include machinery for agriculture, food and beverage, textile, packaging, paper, metal, laser, milling, and printed circuits. The exclusion process opens today through March 31, 2025. After a product exclusion request is posted on the USTR's online portal, interested parties have 30 days to submit a response, either supporting or opposing the request. USTR will assess requests case-by-case, considering their impact on the investigation’s objectives and the U.S. economy, and will monitor the exclusions’ overall effectiveness in pressuring China to address its unfair trade practices. Approved exclusions go through May 31, 2025. The Michael Best Strategies trade team is ready to assist companies through the exclusion process. Please contact Sarah Helton, Michael Best Strategies’ Trade Practice Lead at sarah.helton@michaelbest.com. Related People Preview Attorney's BiographyAs Partner and Chair of the Energy and ESG Federal Practice at Michael Best, Tami assumes a pivotal role in assisting businesses and organizations in navigating and influencing the complexities of federal legislation and regulations. She excels in forging impactful strategic alliances and partnerships that support the client’s brand and business growth. Tami garners extensive expertise in bridging business goals and strategies with government policy in the areas of agriculture, food, nutrition, energy, and the environment. Tami Jackson Buckner* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyAs a Partner on the Michael Best Strategies' federal government relations team with over ten years of experience, Sarah brings a strong legal background and understanding of where law and policy intersect.  Preview Attorney's BiographyAlex is a Principal with Michael Best Strategies. He helps clients build strategic relationships with policy makers in order to influence favorable outcomes. Alexander J. Angelson* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyMargaret brings considerable experience to her role with Michael Best Strategies. Prior to joining Strategies, Margaret served as Vice President at Fulcrum Public Affairs. Within this role, Margaret managed a diverse range of clients in industries including financial services and healthcare. She developed bipartisan relationships, particularly with Congressional offices sitting on the House Financial Services Committee, and provided financial services clients insight on the congressional landsca ... Margaret Angela Franklin* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyRachel is a Senior Policy Analyst with Michael Best Strategies. She conducts research and analysis, assists with communications related to key legislative, political, and regulatory issues, and performs daily operations to serve Michael Best Strategies’ clients. Prior to joining Strategies, Rachel worked at The Madison Group, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., where she gained familiarity with the political process by attending Capitol Hill hearings, briefings, and regulatory pro ... Rachel Spivey* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyIn Erik’s three-decade career in the U.S. Army, the Pentagon, and on Capitol Hill, he served as a trusted advisor, strategist, connector, and leader. He brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role as a Partner with Michael Best Strategies.
Most recently, Erik served as Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during both the Trump and Biden Administrations. He was the principal advisor to the Chairman and Joint Staff for all Congress ... Erik M. Berdy* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyLucia is an experienced government relations professional with more than 10 years of experience effectively advocating for her clients on Capitol Hill. She helps clients develop and execute short- and long-term policy strategies to achieve their business objectives. Lucia’s areas of expertise include homeland security, defense, transportation, tax, immigration, workforce, education, healthcare, economic development, and appropriations. Lucia M. Alonzo* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyBrett Ewer is a seasoned government relations professional with a decade of experience in government relations, business strategy, public affairs, crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic communications. Brett Ewer* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyMeg is a Policy Analyst with Michael Best Strategies. She assists the Strategies team and clients with a wide range of legislative, political, and regulatory issues, particularly in the environmental sector. As part of her role, she regularly conducts research to provide clients with insightful updates and analyses.Prior to joining Strategies, Meg gained experience tracking legislation as a Federal Legislative Intern for the Wildlife Conservation Society. There, she regularly reported on ... Meg Sheline* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.
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