On January 16, 2020, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the reduction of the additional tariff on Section 301 List 4A goods from 15 percent to 7.5 percent, beginning at 12:01 AM on February 14, 2020.

This announcement comes in the wake of the signing of the Phase One Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China on January 15, 2020. Entries filed before 12:01 AM on February 14, 2020, will be subject to the 15 percent rate. Clients may choose to delay filing Customs entries of merchandise subject to Section 4A duties until the reduction of the duty rate goes into effect.

As reported yesterday, the 25 percent tariffs currently being collected on Lists 1, 2 and 3 Imported Chinese goods will remain at this time, and China does not plan to lift its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in the near future as preparation begins for Phase Two of the Agreement. Additionally, List 4B duties remain suspended.