The United States announced on Wednesday a one-year extension of tariff exclusions for selected Chinese industrial and medical imports, including equipment used in solar-energy production. The decision follows a trade and economic agreement reached earlier this month between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tariff Relief Linked to US–China Deal
The tariff exclusions, first introduced under Trump’s initial term through “Section 301” measures targeting China’s intellectual property practices, were due to expire on 29 November. These exclusions have been repeatedly extended over the past year as part of efforts to stabilise trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
“The extension of the exclusions follows the historic trade and economic deal reached between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China, announced by the White House on November 1, 2025,” the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement.
Wide Range of Products Covered
The latest extension covers 14 categories of equipment used to manufacture solar-energy products and 164 categories of industrial and medical goods. Among the exempted items are electric motors, auto air compressors, printed circuit boards, pump components, and blood pressure monitoring devices.
Officials said the decision aims to maintain supply chain stability while supporting industries that depend on specialised Chinese components.
Balancing Trade Stability and Domestic Interests
The continuation of the tariff exemptions reflects Washington’s effort to balance domestic manufacturing interests with the need to preserve economic ties with Beijing. Analysts note that the move aligns with the broader trade truce agreed earlier this month, signalling a temporary easing of tensions after years of tariff disputes.
(with inputs from Reuters)
