China’s latest tariff announcement affects scrap commodities
Certain recovered paper, cullet and all copper scrap to incur an additional 5 percent tariff starting December 15
In apparent retaliation to the U.S. Administration's recent announcement of tariffs on Chinese products to begin in September and December, the Chinese government announced last week its intent to levy additional tariffs on $75 billion worth of goods from the United States. These tariffs add on to those already in place from announcements in 2018.
Included on the list are the following scrap commodities to be assessed an additional 5 percent tariff beginning on December 15, bringing the total import tariff to 30 percent:
Harmonized Tariff Code / Product Description & Corresponding ISRI Specification
4707.10.00 ... Unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard (e.g., paper grades 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21; and specialty grades 8-S and 11-S).
4707.30.10 ... Paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp (for example, newspapers, journals and similar printed matter); newspaper and other. (e.g., paper grades 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 44, 56, 58; and specialty grades 25-S, 32-S, 33-S, 36-S).
4707.90.00 ... Other, including unsorted waste and scrap (e.g., paper grades 52, 54; and specialty grades 1-S through 7-S, 10-S, 12-S, 14-S through 20-S, 22-S, 31-S, 34-S) Note: It is our understanding that unsorted mixed paper is banned for import into China, but in instances where materials under this Harmonized Tariff Code are still obtaining clearance, the tariff would apply.
7001.00.00... Cullet and other waste and scrap of glass.
7404.00.00 ... Copper waste and scrap (e.g., All copper grades).
7602.00.00 ... Aluminum waste and scrap (e.g., All aluminum grades).
Also included on the list are the following scrap commodities to be assessed an additional 10 percent tariff beginning on December 15, bringing the total import tariff to 35 percent:
Harmonized Tariff Code / Product Description & Corresponding ISRI Specification
8107.30.00 ... Unwrought cadmium; waste and scrap.
The U.S. Administration has reacted negatively to this announcement. However, the pledged December implementation date provides some flexibility if the U.S. and Chinese Governments resume negotiations on a trade deal.
