Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1537

Introduced
5/10/23  

Caption

Raising Tariffs on Imports from China Act of 2023

Impact

Upon implementation, SB1537 could significantly alter trade dynamics with China. The continuous imposition of these additional duties may result in higher prices for consumers and businesses relying on Chinese goods. Furthermore, this legislation represents a strategic economic maneuver aimed at addressing trade imbalances, potentially leading to domestic market shifts as businesses adapt to higher costs imposed by tariffs. The bill reflects broader efforts to prioritize U.S. economic interests in international trade.

Summary

SB1537, known as the Raising Tariffs on Imports from China Act of 2023, aims to impose additional duties on articles imported from the People's Republic of China until the trade balance between the U.S. and China is rectified. The bill requires the President to calculate and publish the total value of goods imported from China against the value of goods exported to China annually. Should imports exceed exports, a duty of 25 percent ad valorem would be applied to all imported articles from China.

Contention

The bill has garnered debate regarding its broader implications. Proponents assert that it will strengthen the U.S. economy by curtailing excessive imports and encouraging domestic manufacturing. However, critics warn that such tariffs could provoke retaliatory measures from China, leading to a trade war that might adversely affect other sectors of the economy. Concerns about inflation and supply chain disruption also arise, as additional duties could further complicate access to affordable goods.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3868

Strengthening Tariffs on Chinese Autos Act of 2024

US SB591

South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act of 2023

US HB2594

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2023

US HB638

China Trade Relations Act of 2023

US SB151

Countering Corporate Corruption in China Act of 2023

US SB206

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US HB694

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US SB153

Fair Trade with China Enforcement Act

US SB1689

Combatting Fentanyl Trafficking from China and Mexico Act

US SB125

China Trade Relations Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.