US Imposes Tariffs On Chinese Television Imports

by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New York

16 April 2004

Fractious US/China trade relations took another turn for the worse this week after it emerged that the United States has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on imported Chinese televisions.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and some of the country’s leading television manufacturers confirmed on Wednesday that the US administration has imposed tariffs ranging between 4.35% and 78.45% on the import of certain low-priced televisions, an action that the Chinese branded as unfair.

Although these levies for many firms are lower than those set in an initial ruling last November, the Chinese manufacturers have indicated that they plan to contest the decision before the International Trade Commission makes a final ruling on the issue. The firms will have the backing of the Chinese government in their quest.

The US sanctions are the latest in a catalog of disagreements between the nations on the subject of trade, which includes the United States’ recent decision to seek redress against China at the WTO over concerns that its tax system unfairly protects domestic producers in the semiconductor industry.

The latest development comes at a sensitive time for trade relations, as the two sides prepare for a meeting next Wednesday in order to try and resolve bilateral trading concerns.

Recommended