August 28, 2025 – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that tariff exclusions for certain Chinese-origin goods under Section 301 will be rolled forward for another three months. The underlying tariffs stem from Washington’s investigation into China’s technology-transfer, intellectual-property and innovation-related policies. The exclusions—previously set to expire on August 31, 2025—will now remain in force through November 29, 2025.
Background & Timeline
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May 31, 2025: USTR extended these exclusions from their original sunset date to August 31, 2025.
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August 28, 2025: A new Federal Register notice titled “USTR Extends Certain Exclusions from China Section 301 Tariffs” grants an additional 90-day reprieve.
Earlier extensions
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May 2024: 164 narrowly defined product exclusions were prolonged, covering items such as specific electric motors, gas engines and various types of machinery.
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September 2024: a separate 14-item exclusion list for solar-manufacturing equipment was likewise extended.
Impact on Importers & Stakeholders
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Short-term relief | Eligible Chinese-origin goods remain free of the 25 % Section 301 duty until November 29, 2025. |
| Greater flexibility | Importers gain extra time to adjust supply chains or sourcing strategies. |
| Ongoing uncertainty | USTR will continue reviewing stakeholder comments; further extensions or modifications remain possible. (Sources: EY, KPMG) |
| Customs guidance | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue operational instructions on how to claim the exclusions at entry. |
Practical Effect Any product on the published exclusion list that is entered—or withdrawn from warehouse—for consumption in the United States on or before November 29, 2025 may still claim duty-free treatment under Section 301. Importers need only file the required certification at the time of entry to secure the benefit.
Source document：FRN to Extend Exclusions to Nov 2025 - Final 08272025.pdf
SMM New Energy Industry Research Department
Cong Wang 021-51666838
Xiaodan Yu 021-20707870
Rui Ma 021-51595780
Disheng Feng 021-51666714
Yujun Liu 021-20707895
Yanlin Lü 021-20707875
Zhicheng Zhou 021-51666711
Haohan Zhang 021-51666752
Zihan Wang 021-51666914
Xiaoxuan Ren 021-20707866
Jie Wang 021-51595902
Yang Xu 021-51666760
Boling Chen 021-51666836
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