# US Section 301 tariffs on optical imports

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-section-301-tariffs-on-optical-imports
> Updated: 2026-08-03T14:50:10.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the United States rolled out new Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies after the earlier Section 122 tariff expired. The measures, aimed at alleged forced‑labour violations, imposed a 12.5 % duty on eyewear‑related shipments from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia and a 10 % duty on those from India and Indonesia, with other countries facing similar rates. The Vision Council warned members of the added cost complexity and offered tools to model impacts.

A week later the Trump administration announced a draft ban on U.S. imports of Chinese data‑center optical transceivers, citing security risks such as data theft and malware insertion. Simultaneously it broadened the Section 301 tariff regime, extending forced‑labour levies of 10‑12.5 % to additional nations and prompting lawsuits from 25 U.S. states challenging the tariffs’ authority. The administration also signaled possible new measures on polysilicon and minimum‑price rules to shield domestic producers. Together, these steps show a rapid escalation from sector‑specific duties to wider export‑control actions and legal push‑back.

## Claims

- The Trump administration is drafting a ban on U.S. imports of new Chinese optical transceivers for data centers. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The ban is intended to prevent Chinese firms from stealing data, installing malware, or disrupting U.S. data‑center operations. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The FCC is preparing a rule to bar imports of new Chinese optical transceivers and hopes to publish it this year. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Officials hope to publish the ban later this year. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The ban would likely affect Chinese company Zhongji Innolight, a major global seller of optical transceivers. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Divyansh Kaushik said, “Transceivers definitely pose a risk.” (corroborated by 4 sources)
- China says it will take necessary measures in response to any U.S. action that harms its interests. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Trump administration has expanded Section 301 tariffs on dozens of countries, including a forced‑labour levy of 10‑12.5 percent. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Twenty‑five U.S. states have sued the Trump administration, alleging the tariffs exceed presidential authority. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The U.S. government has processed tariff refunds totaling about $166 billion, with companies such as Apple receiving $2.2 billion. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: Trump administration moves to ban Chinese data‑center components and expands tariffs

Trump administration drafts a ban on Chinese optical transceivers, expands Section 301 tariffs, faces lawsuits from 25 states, and plans polysilicon duties, while China warns of retaliation.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-trump-expands-us-aluminum-tariffs-as-domestic-output-stays-weak

### 2026-07-28: US Section 301 Tariffs Hit Optical Industry, Vision Council Alerts Members

The US imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 countries, adding 12.5% duties to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and 10% to India and Indonesia; the Vision Council offers guidance to the optical industry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vision-council-alerts-optical-industry-to-new-us-section-301-tariffs

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Cite as: US Section 301 tariffs on optical imports. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-section-301-tariffs-on-optical-imports