Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5264

Introduced
9/25/24  

Caption

Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act

Impact

The proposed bill is anticipated to significantly affect U.S. trade laws, particularly by removing the benefits associated with NTR status. By redefining trade norms, the legislation will elevate tariffs to column 2 rates on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which are typically higher than those associated with NTR status. This change aims to form a protective barrier around U.S. industries while also seeking to retaliate against China's trade practices that are viewed as unfair or harmful to U.S. economic interests.

Summary

SB5264, titled the 'Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act', is a legislative proposal aimed at suspending normal trade relations (NTR) with the People's Republic of China. This measure seeks to impose higher tariffs on imports from China and to recalibrate the United States' approach to its trade relationship with China in light of perceived national security threats. If enacted, the bill will enhance the duty rates applicable to a variety of articles imported from China, aligned with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and procedures.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB5264 centers on its potential ramifications for international trade dynamics and U.S. economic policy. Proponents argue that by suspending NTR with China, the U.S. would fortify its economy against unfair competition and bolster national security. Conversely, critics contend that the bill risks escalating trade tensions and could lead to increased costs for consumers as a result of higher tariffs. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the bill's alignment with World Trade Organization rules and its broader implications for U.S.-China relations.

Companion Bills

US HB10127

Related Restoring Trade Fairness Act

Similar Bills

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 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 HB10127

Restoring Trade Fairness Act

HI HB1144

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB935

Relating To Hearing Aids.

HI SB606

Relating To Hearing Aids.

HI HB935

Relating To Hearing Aids.

HI SB1495

Relating To Hearing Aids.