U.S.-China 30-for-30 Framework: What Importers Should Know
To Our Valued Partners,
The United States and China have announced the next step under the new U.S.-China Board of Trade, including product lists that may be considered for reduced tariff treatment under a new “30-for-30” framework.
The framework identifies roughly $30 billion in trade on each side and is focused on non-sensitive products. USTR stated that the recommended products could receive more favorable tariff treatment in the future.
For U.S. imports from China, the published list contains 77 HTSUS provisions covering a range of products including household goods, textiles, small appliances, child-related products, toys, sporting goods, fishing products and other consumer items. Eight of the 77 HTSUS provisions are marked as Ex-Outs, meaning only the specific products described within those tariff provisions are included.
What Importers Should Know
At this stage, the September 27 announcement does not itself establish a new U.S. tariff rate or an effective date for reduced treatment.
The Terms of Reference state that future tariff reductions for products on the approved lists will be determined and implemented through each country’s domestic legal processes.
That means importers should continue using the tariff treatment currently in effect until additional U.S. implementation guidance is issued.
We are watching closely for the next official steps, including any:
- effective dates
- new or revised tariff rates
- Chapter 99 filing instructions
- CBP or ACE guidance
- Section 301 treatment
- refund or retroactive-entry instructions
For now, the published lists are best viewed as a roadmap for products that may qualify for reduced tariff treatment once the framework is formally implemented.
As your logistics partner, Southern Star Navigation will continue monitoring USTR, CBP, the White House and the Federal Register and will share any actionable filing or tariff guidance as soon as it becomes available.
RESOURCES
Working Procedures for the U.S.-China Board of Trade
Terms of Reference for the “30-for-30” Framework
USTR Statement on the U.S.-China Board of Trade Recommendations
If you have questions about whether your products appear on the U.S. import list, contact the Southern Star Navigation team at 833-782-7628.
