The Price Of China’s Forced Transfer Of US Tech and IP? USD 50 Billion In Tariffs, US Says

The Trump administration today (3 April) published a list of Chinese exports to the United States which could be subject to as much as US$ 50 billion in tariffs in retaliation for policies it says have forced the unfair transfer and theft of US technology and intellectual property.

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced the list of proposed tariffs, which includes sectors such as aerospace, information and communication technology, robotics, and machinery, USTR said in a release.

The 58-page document including the list is available here [pdf]. It states that the USTR Robert Lighthizer will report to the President within 60 days on pursuing dispute settlement at the World Trade Organization against China’s alleged discriminatory licensing practices, in cooperation with other members.

“The proposed list covers approximately 1,300 separate tariff lines and will undergo further review in a public notice and comment process, including a hearing,” it said. “After completion of this process, USTR will issue a final determination on the products subject to the additional duties.”

It continued: “Following USTR’s Section 301 investigation, President Trump announced in March that the United States will impose tariffs on approximately $50 billion worth of Chinese imports and take other actions in response to China’s policies that coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises.  These policies bolster China’s stated intention of seizing economic leadership in advanced technology as set forth in its industrial plans, such as “Made in China 2025.”

Comments and submissions should follow this timetable:

April 23, 2018: Due date for filing requests to appear and a summary of expected testimony at the public hearing and for filing pre-hearing submissions.
May 11, 2018: Due date for submission of written comments.
May 15, 2018: The Section 301 Committee will convene a public hearing in the main hearing room of the US International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW Washington DC 20436 beginning at 10:00 am.
May 22, 2018: Due date for submission of post-hearing rebuttal comments.