USTR adopted Section 301 responsive action against China concerning the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.

A Section 301 measure is a U.S. trade action authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act. It addresses what the U.S. government determines to be an unreasonable or discriminatory trade practice, or a burden on U.S. commerce. A measure focused on China’s maritime logistics and shipbuilding sectors may cover specified conduct, entities, vessels, services, or related commercial activities—not necessarily every product imported from China.

For an importer, the key term is “scope”: the legal description of what the measure covers. This type of action may affect companies that use covered vessels, shipping services, or maritime supply chains, and its practical impact may depend on the importer’s transportation arrangements rather than only on the product’s tariff classification. Any additional charge or requirement should be distinguished from ordinary customs duty, and the official measure should be checked for its applicable covered parties, transactions, and exceptions.

What to check

• Read the official scope and definitions to determine whether the measure covers your vessel, carrier, service provider, Chinese entity, transaction, or product.
• Identify the relevant customs classification, or HTSUS subheading, for the imported merchandise, but do not assume classification alone determines coverage.
• Trace the shipment’s transportation chain, including vessel ownership or operation, carrier, port services, and logistics providers, where the measure addresses maritime activities.
• Check official implementation instructions for the responsible agency, filing or payment procedures, exclusions, certifications, and any applicable exemptions.
• Ask a customs broker or trade counsel to review close cases, especially where ownership, control, vessel nationality, related parties, or mixed services affect the scope.