US Trade Representative Office is temporarily exempting more than 400 lines of Chinese import from tariffs imposed last year. Exclusions included Christmas tree lights, plastic straws, dog leashes and printed circuit boards. According to USTR documents, the exemptions stem from more than 1100 exclusions requests made by companies and other entities in US.
For now, the exemptions on their own are seen as a move to address the tariffs impact on US companies, rather than concessions to China. Nevertheless, the timing is interesting as both sides seem to be creating some positive atmosphere for October meeting.
