By Janelle Penny
A round of new tariffs which took affect this week affect 5,745 Chinese goods totaling $200 billion in imports, a move that could seriously impact interior designers.
The initial tariffs start at 10 percent but will climb to 25 percent starting on Jan. 1, 2019. The list of goods subject to the newest tariffs include these common facilities products:
Natural rubber, including latex
More than 10 species of wood in raw and partially finished forms
Wall and ceiling coverings of PVC or other polymers of vinyl chloride with a textile fiber backing
Oriented strand board and particle board
Cork
Bamboo, including floor coverings and screens
Cotton and wool products
Copper, aluminum, steel and tin products
Wood and metal furniture and parts
Electric lamps and lighting fixtures
Illuminated signs
Chandeliers and other electric ceiling or wall lighted fittings
“Unfortunately, China has been unwilling to change its policies involving the unfair acquisition of U.S. technology and intellectual property,” the Office of the United States Trade Representative notes in a statement. “Instead, China responded to the United States’ tariff action by taking further steps to harm U.S. workers and businesses. In these circumstances, the President has directed the U.S. Trade Representative to increase the level of trade covered by the additional duties in order to obtain elimination of China’s unfair policies. The Administration will continue to encourage China to allow for fair trade with the United States.”