USTR Extends 301 Tariff Exclusions for 178 China-Origin Products to Nov 10, 2026

Important: Continued exemption from the 25% Section 301 surcharge requires that the imported product both (1) be declared under the applicable HTS entry (9903.88.69 or 9903.88.70) and (2) match the USTR exclusion description exactly. A matching HTS number alone does not guarantee the exclusion.

Quick overview

Announcement date: November 26, 2025
New exclusion expiration: November 10, 2026
Relevant HTS special lines: 9903.88.69, 9903.88.70
Number of excluded product categories: 178 (164 industrial & medical items; 14 solar/wafer manufacturing machines)

Scope & representative items

The extended exclusions cover a wide range of industrial, medical, electronic and some solar-manufacturing equipment. Representative categories include (but are not limited to):

Electric motors and motor components
Medical devices and disposable medical electrodes
Pumps, pump housings and pump parts
Printed circuit board assemblies and electronic modules
Certain compressor and heat-exchanger components
Solar wafer and cell production equipment such as crystal growth furnaces, diamond-wire saws, and PVD/CVD and PECVD tools

What this means for exporters and importers

Short-term cost stability: Eligible imports will remain exempt from the 25% Section 301 surcharge through Nov 10, 2026 — helping stabilize prices and margins for affected shipments.
Careful classification required: Customs will verify that both the HTS declaration and the product description match the exclusion language. Supporting technical documents, specifications, and supplier declarations are recommended.
Policy remains temporary: The extension does not indicate a permanent policy reversal. USTR can adjust or discontinue exclusions later; companies should plan for the post-2026 scenario.
Opportunity for contract planning: Businesses may use this predictable window to negotiate longer-term contracts, optimize inventory, or lock in supply for products covered by the exclusions.

How to determine if your product qualifies

Follow these practical steps:

Confirm whether your HTS entry maps to one of the two special lines (9903.88.69 or 9903.88.70).
Compare the official exclusion description line-by-line to your product's materials, dimensions, intended use, and functional characteristics.
Gather and retain product specifications, technical drawings, bills of materials, invoices, and manufacturer declarations to support the claim.
Coordinate with your customs broker or trade advisor to ensure the entry numbers and supporting documentation are submitted consistently at time of import.

Policy context & outlook

USTR’s phased extensions of exclusions reflect a pragmatic approach: provide short-term relief where U.S. producers cannot readily source alternatives, while preserving the overall Section 301 framework. Companies should expect the exclusions to be managed on a rolling basis and remain alert for future adjustments.

Official source