On May 13, 2019, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) announced that it will offer a tariff exclusion process for importers in China that face serious economic or social consequences due to higher tariffs on U.S. goods.  

The tariffs applicable to this exclusion process include the retaliatory tariffs implemented on June 16, 2018 and August 8, 2018. They cover approximately $50 billion and $16 billion worth of U.S. products, respectively. The products range from agricultural products such as pork, fish, nuts, and soybeans to petroleum products, paper, and minerals.

Importers in China may submit their exclusion applications for products covered under the June 16, 2018 tariff list from June 3, 2019 through July 5, 2019. They can also file their applications for products covered under the August 8, 2018 tariff list from September 2, 2019 through October 18, 2019.