Search Results for agency_names:"Trade Representative, Office of United States"

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on unfair trade practices by other countries. This initiative follows directives set out in the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. Comments should specifically address non-reciprocal trade arrangements and the harm they cause to the U.S. The deadline for submitting comments is March 11, 2025, and submissions should explain the impact of these practices on U.S. interests, supported by quantified harm like opportunity costs.

In a recent notice, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced changes to actions related to a Section 301 investigation concerning China's technology transfer and intellectual property practices. These changes include raising tariffs on certain tungsten, polysilicon, and wafer products from China starting January 1, 2025. The new tariffs, part of President's instructions to encourage China to change its practices, will be 25% for tungsten products and 50% for polysilicon and wafers. This decision considers public feedback, which highlights the potential benefits and risks of these tariff increases.

The U.S. Trade Representative has concluded that Vietnam's actions and policies related to currency valuation are problematic for U.S. commerce. They determined that Vietnam's management of its currency, particularly through excessive foreign exchange market interventions, gives it an unfair advantage in international trade. These practices were found to be unreasonable, burden or restrict U.S. trade, and therefore can be addressed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The U.S. is considering further actions to address these issues.

The U.S. Trade Representative has decided to change the trade measures in a dispute with the European Union (EU) over airplanes. This change aims to mirror the EU's approach and will add specific products from certain EU countries to the list of items facing extra duties. The decision comes as a response to the EU's similar actions and is intended to push for a fair resolution to the disagreement. The revised measure will take effect on January 12, 2021, and involve products from France and Germany, focusing on addressing subsidies deemed inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking written comments on possible trade actions in response to China's efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The USTR plans to hold a public hearing and is proposing fees on services provided by Chinese maritime operators entering U.S. ports, as well as restrictions to encourage the transport of U.S. goods on U.S. vessels. Additionally, there may be actions to reduce reliance on Chinese logistics platforms. Comments must be submitted by March 24, 2025, for consideration.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced a notice regarding changes to specific product exclusions from tariffs on Chinese goods. These tariffs, initially imposed in September 2018, were part of a larger action due to issues with China's policies on technology and intellectual property. The notice outlines technical amendments to certain product exclusions and their extensions that impact goods imported during specific periods between 2018 and 2020. The amendments involve modifications in the product classification terms related to zinc oxide in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.