Office of the United States Trade Representative August 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In prior notices, the U.S. Trade Representative modified the action in the Section 301 investigation of China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation by excluding from additional duties certain medical-care products needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. These exclusions are scheduled to expire on September 30, 2021. In light of developments in the production capacity of the United States in the subject products and continuing efforts in the battle against COVID-19, USTR is requesting public comments on whether to extend particular exclusions past September 30, 2021.

The interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) invites written comments to assist the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in the preparation of its annual report to Congress on China's compliance with the commitments made in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Due to COVID- 19, the TPSC will foster public participation via written questions and responses relating to the comments received by the TPSC rather than an in-person hearing. This notice includes the schedule for submission of comments, questions and responses.

Effective July 1, 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) implemented certain changes to statistical reporting categories in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). To conform with these changes, this notice makes a technical amendment to a product exclusion in this Section 301 investigation.