Some home furnishings products made in China have been spared from additional tariffs, at least for now.
The Office of U.S. Trade Representative announced Aug. 16 it will not add a 10 percent import tax to wooden- and metal-framed chairs, plastic chairs and furniture items for infants, including toddler beds, bassinets, cradles, strollers and children’s seats, Reuters reported.
New tariffs were otherwise scheduled to take effect Sept. 1 and Dec. 15, respectively, on products categorized as belonging to List 4A and List 4B, together valued at $300 billion.
Most home furnishings products already carry 25 percent tariffs.
The $114 billion retail furniture industry has been among the sectors hardest hit with price increases due to tariffs, Reuters reported.
Trump administration officials and the president contend that China is suffering more from tariffs than are American businesses and consumers, and that trade deal negotiations are continuing. The administration wants China to open its markets to more U.S. goods and stop forced technology transfers and the theft of intellectual property.
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