Latest Round of Proposed Chinese Tariffs Includes Flooring

Washington, DC, July 11, 2018--Flooring is included on a list of products imported from China that could face tariffs of 10% from the U.S.

Flooring products included on list are vinyl; plastic; wood-both engineered and solid; bamboo; cork; carpet-tufted and woven; tile; and ceramic-glazed and unglazed.

A public comment period, during which the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking comment to the Section 301 Committee, runs through August 17. A final decision will be made August 18, and resulting action will be taken August 31.

The action was announced by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on behalf of President Trump. The list amounts to $200 billion in products in total and also includes chemicals, steel, aluminum, TV components and many consumer products, including food and clothing.

This action follows tariffs of 25% imposed on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods, made effective July 6; flooring was not included on that list. China responded to that action by imposing tariffs on $34 billion of U.S. products, and the country has vowed to take countermeasures against the current action as well.

In announcing the proposed tariffs, U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer said, "For over a year, the Trump administration has patiently urged China to stop its unfair practices, open its market, and engage in true market competition. Unfortunately, China has not changed its behavior-behavior that puts the future of the U.S. economy at risk. Rather than address our legitimate concerns, China has begun to retaliate against U.S. products. There is no justification for such action."