U.S. and China May Identify $30 Billion in Goods for Lower Tariffs

Bessent said the two countries would identify $30 billion of non-critical goods for reduced or zero tariffs, while Section 301 probes (U.S. trade investigations) could restore some tariffs annulled by a Supreme Court decision.

Summary

Bessent said the United States and China plan to identify $30 billion of non-critical goods that could face lower or zero tariffs. He also said Section 301 probes (U.S. trade investigations into unfair trade practices) could be used to restore tariffs that were annulled by a Supreme Court decision. The statement points to a dual-track trade approach: easing duties on selected goods while preserving a mechanism to reimpose tariffs through formal investigations.

Terms & Concepts
  • Tariffs: Import taxes imposed on goods crossing borders, often used to protect domestic industries or as leverage in trade negotiations.
  • Section 301 probes: U.S. trade investigations that examine unfair foreign trade practices and can support retaliatory measures such as tariffs.