Why are more plastics and chemicals now subject to US Section 301 tariffs compared to previous tariff regimes?

The new Section 301 tariffs cover more plastics and chemicals because they provide fewer broad exemptions than earlier regimes like Section 122 and IEEPA tariffs, and also depart from the broader relief initially proposed in June; most plastics and chemicals are now subject to 10% or 12.5% duties unless they qualify for narrow, application-specific exemptions—such as the pharmaceutical exemption—rather than the previously available broad exclusions.

What is the stated purpose of the new Section 301 tariffs on plastics and chemicals?

The duties are intended to address what the US alleges are unfair trade advantages associated with imports made using forced labor.

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Insight: More Plastics, Chemicals Subject to New US 301 Tariffs

Insight: More Plastics, Chemicals Subject to New US 301 Tariffs

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