The U.S.-China Trade War: Country of Origin, Substantial Transformation, and Risk Mitigation

In recent months, trade relations between the United States and China have radically changed. Under Section 301 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the U.S. has imposed additional tariffs on over $250 billion worth of imports from China. China has responded in kind. This trade war has caused significant disruption and uncertainty for U.S. companies.

Among the challenges facing companies will be to address country of origin and substantial transformation issues for their imports from China. Importers must also consider the process established by the U.S. Trade Representative through which parties can apply for an exclusion from the tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.

Companies must understand and navigate through the new tariffs and employ strategies to minimize the cost of importing merchandise to the U.S.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the evolving situation in the U.S.-China tariff war and what tariffs are in place. The panel will explain ways to get Chinese imported products excluded from the tariffs list and other strategies, including lowering the value of imported goods and duty rates or sourcing materials/products from other countries.

1. Tariffs on Chinese imports
2. Country of origin issues
   1. Proper country of origin analysis
   2. Special rules of origin under free trade agreements
   3. Substantial transformation
3. Strategies for mitigating risk
   1. Exclusion from tariffs
   2. Decreasing value of imported goods
   3. Sourcing materials from other countries
4. Retaliation by China and impact on U.S. companies

The panel will review these and other relevant issues:

• What does the trade war mean for U.S. importers?
• What challenges do country of origin issues present?
• What are some strategies to mitigate the impact of the Section 301 duties?