Bill to End Normal Trading Status With China Introduced in House

A bill that would end China's eligibility for most favored nation tariffs was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and the text was published Aug. 8. The bill has no co-sponsors.

The Ending Normal Trade Relations with China Act of 2023 is similar to the bill introduced in March in the Senate by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. (see 2303270067).

Although China does not face Column 2 tariffs, the additional 25% tariffs on 6,797 tariff lines makes importing thousands of Chinese goods comparable to Column 2 duties. Many of those non-MFN duties on manufactured goods are 10%, 25%, 27.5% and 30%.

Banks' bill would end Chinese eligibility for normal trading status two years after enactment, and says that it cannot be restored. The president is given the authority in the bill to increase tariffs on Chinese goods past the Column 2 rates.