Posted on 10 Nov 2025
The US trade representative (USTR) has announced the suspension of a Section 301 investigation of China's alleged targeting of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors for dominance, Kallanish learns from a USTR press release.
Thursday's notice calls for a one-year suspension to responsive actions taken in the Section 301 investigation. This follows a 1 November White House announcement of a trade and economic deal between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping of China.
As part of the deal, the US would begin the suspension on 10 November and continue negotiations with China. The USTR announced changes to its Section 301 program to restore American shipbuilding after a review of submitted comments (see Kallanish 16 October). The USTR originally took action to support US shipbuilding following a Section 301 investigation into China's targeting of the maritime sectors (see Kallanish 23 April).
There were modifications and certain changes to Annexes III and IV of the original Section 301 investigation from the 23 April notice, as well as imposition of duties on ship-to-shore cranes and on certain cargo handling equipment of China as described in Annex V.A of the 16 October notice.
Whilst taking these actions, the US will continue its domestic efforts and discussions with key allies and partners on revitalising American shipbuilding.
The USTR is requesting comments from interested persons regarding the proposal to suspend the responsive actions from 10 November through 9 November 2026.
Source:Kallanish
