USTR proposes further two-month extension of Section 301 suspension

On 26 October 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) published a Federal Register notice proposing a further two-month extension of the current suspension of the Section 301 measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. The current suspension is due to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on 9 November 2026. USTR proposes to extend the suspension from 10 November 2026 through 9 January 2027, citing ongoing negotiations with China. 

If adopted, the extension would mean that no liability would accrue during the additional suspension period for the Section 301 port fees, including those applicable to vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities, Chinese-built vessels and foreign-built vehicle carriers. The relevant duties on certain Chinese cargo-handling equipment would also remain suspended. 

This would be a further temporary suspension, rather than a repeal of the underlying measures. Accordingly, while the immediate exposure for shipowners and operators would remain on hold through 9 January 2027, the Section 301 framework would remain in place and could become applicable again following expiry of the suspension, absent further action by USTR. 

Written comments on the proposed extension are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on 30 October 2026 and may be submitted through USTR’s electronic portal under docket number USTR-2026-0694. 

The Club will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as appropriate.