U.S. Government Announces More China Tariff Exclusions for Travel Goods

March 26, 2020 – This week, the U.S. government announced that it has granted new exclusions from the punitive China tariffs for 8 travel goods items (NO luggage) – certain backpacks and duffel bags made of hemp and organic cotton (see description on page 8, #44) (see petition), certain man-made fiber backpacks (see description on page 8, #45) (see petition), certain fishing tackle bags (see description on page 8, #46) (see petition), certain surfboard covers (see description on page 8, #47) (see petition), certain tote bags with printing (see description on Page 8, #48) (see petition), certain storage bags for powersport vehicles (see description on Page 8, #49) (see petition), certain belt pouches/holsters (see description on page 8, #50) (see petition), and certain gun cases (boots) (see description on page 8, #51) (see petition). Anyone importing products matching these descriptions no longer pay the punitive 25% tariff (until Aug. 7, 2020). Previous tariffs paid are eligible for refunds, retroactive to Sept. 24, 2018. The U.S. government denied thousands of petitions over the last week. In fact, USTR has reviewed all by 3,233 petitions (out of 30,283 petitions submitted) – denying 25,730 petitions to date and only granting 1,017 petitions to date (a 3.4% approval rate). For travel goods, out of 863 petitions filed, USTR has granted only 12 petitions, rejected 679 petitions, with 172 petitions still pending review.