The Trump Administration announced today that some Chinese imported goods slated to face a new round of tariffs on September 1 will now be exempted until at least mid-December. The office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Tuesday that it will instead delay the new tariffs on many major categories of items, including smartphones, laptop computers, toys and some other items, until Dec. 15. USTR also said that some products would be removed from the tariff lists entirely, based on health, safety, national security and other factors.

The complete lists of affected goods can be viewed HERE.

The delay in imposition of the tariffs earned a reprieve for American negotiators, who have been struggling to re-establish trade talks with the Chinese officials.  And consumers will be relieved to know that electronics, smartphones, toys and other items will not be slapped with additional tariffs through at least much of the holiday shopping season.

WHAT TO KNOW:

The situation remains very fluid. WB Skinner is advising our clients to do the following:

• Know whether your imports are affected and decide what you’re going to do about it.
• Consider sourcing options in other countries besides China.
• If you have a question about whether your products are affected by the tariffs, we may be able to help. We can tell you what impact the tariffs will have on your shipments, and help you file an exemption.