US tariffs to persist as Section 301 replaces expiring duties

The 10 percent import duties imposed under Section 122 of the US Trade Act are set to expire on 24 July. Trade experts say they will likely be replaced the same day by Section 301 tariffs, also at a 10 percent rate, covering roughly 60 countries that account for about 99 percent of US imports.

Elmar Otten of the business association Evofenedex explained that the change “means companies see little difference” because the new measures will continue to target the same products. The shift follows a US Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the earlier legal basis for the duties. The Treasury is now searching for a new justification, focusing on allegations of forced labour and “excessive production” in foreign supply chains, with the European Union under particular scrutiny.

Dutch firms fear the new tariffs could be added on top of the 15 percent import tax agreed in the July 1 EU‑US trade pact, which would breach the pact according to the European Commission. Experts warn that the upcoming measures will be harder to challenge in court.