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

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.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice regarding India's Digital Services Tax (DST). The USTR found that India's DST is unfair or discriminatory and negatively impacts U.S. businesses. This tax applies only to non-resident companies and is imposed on revenue instead of income, which is against international tax principles. Further actions will be considered under Section 301 of the Trade Act to address these issues.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined that China's efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors have been found to be unreasonable and negatively impact U.S. commerce, making it actionable under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USTR's investigation revealed that China implements aggressive policies and industrial planning to gain a significant market share in these sectors, which disadvantages U.S. companies by reducing competition and creating dependencies that pose economic security risks. Public comments and a report underscore that these actions undercut U.S. business opportunities and investments, and restrict competition and choice, affecting vital supply chains. Future proceedings will decide on actions to counter China's practices under section 301(b).

The U.S. Trade Representative has begun a Section 301 investigation into China's strategies aimed at dominating the semiconductor industry. This inquiry will examine China's extensive non-market tactics, like state-control and financial support, which might unfairly impact U.S. commerce and global markets. A public hearing will be held in March 2025, and the Office is inviting public comments, particularly about how these practices may disadvantage U.S. companies in critical sectors like defense and telecommunications. Interested parties can submit their comments or requests to participate in the hearing through a designated online portal.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that there will be no change to the current strategy regarding the enforcement of U.S. rights in the World Trade Organization dispute over Large Civil Aircraft subsidies from some European Union member states. This decision comes after a recent review of the goods subject to additional duties, effective January 12, 2021, concluded that no revisions are necessary. The USTR will continue to evaluate the situation moving forward.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new tariff-rate quota limits for goods imported from Australia under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement for the year 2025. These limits specify how much of certain goods can enter the U.S. without facing higher tariffs. Beginning January 1, 2025, various products, including beef and other goods classified under specific subheadings in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, have defined quantity limits. This notice clarifies the allowable quantities to ensure fair trade practices between the U.S. and Australia.