The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued another round of proposed tariffs on Chinese imports, and if they take effect, finished home furnishings will be among the goods subject to an additional 10% tariff.

The move comes in response to China’s imposition of additional duties on U.S. goods in the wake the USTR subjecting of a list of 818 products imported from China to additional Section 301 tariffs of 25% last month.

The 6,031 tariff subheadings covered in the new action include mattresses, furniture and lighting, as well as upholstery fabrics, carpets, particleboard, MDF, plywood, wood marquetry and inlaid wood.

The USTR office is seeking public comment and will hold a public hearing regarding this proposed modification of the action in its investigation. Deadline for filing to appear and testify at a public hearing is July 26, and written comments are due Aug. 17. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20-23 at the U.S. International Trade Commission.

The latest proposal could face opposition in Congress. Arizona Republican Senator Jeff Flake sent out this tweet after the USTR announcement: “FINALLY, Senate will push back on the President’s abuse of Section 232 to impose tariffs. We will vote Wednesday on a ‘Motion to Instruct,’ a first step toward reasserting Congress’s constitutional role on tariffs.”

（Source: FurnitureToday）