New Products Now Excluded from Chinese Tariffs

Over the past two months, the U.S. Trade Representative has made several announcements regarding exclusions from tariffs for some products from China. New exclusions announced on March 26, 2020 include outdoor gas fire pits enclosed in stone (specifically, “Outdoor tables of artificial stone, each measuring no more than 93 cm by 93 cm by 63 cm, with a built-in gas-burning fire pit.”). This exclusion follows an earlier announcement on November 29, 2019 for metal outdoor gas fire pits (defined as “Outdoor tables of steel and aluminum, each measuring no more than 93 cm by 93 cm by 63 cm, incorporating a built-in gas-burning fire pit.”). Another set of product exclusions was announced on February 20, 2020, which included fireplace mantels or surrounds made of wood and portable outdoor cookers, each consisting of a burner and stand made from steel and cast iron, two or more pots with fitted strainer baskets, a rack suitable for supporting and lifting out large food items and an adjustable pressure regulator/hose combination for connecting the burner to a portable container of LP.

The exclusions are retroactive to September 24, 2018 and run through August 7, 2020, meaning that companies can receive a refund for any tariffs paid thus far. HPBA will continue to monitor the evolving tariffs landscape. Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions.