The US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, announced on Tuesday the extension of tariff exclusions under China's "Section 301" for 352 Chinese imports and 77 COVID-19-related categories until May 31, 2024. The move aims to provide continued relief for certain products amid ongoing trade tensions and broader US-China rivalry.

The Section 301 tariffs, initiated by the administration of former President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019, utilised the Trade Act of 1974 to address perceived unfair trade practices by China. The latest extension covers a range of industrial components, including pumps, electric motors, car parts, chemicals, bicycles, and vacuum cleaners. Additionally, COVID-19-related exclusions involve medical products such as face masks, examination gloves, and hand sanitising wipes.

The exclusions, originally set to expire on December 31, have now been extended until May 31, allowing for further consideration as part of a statutory four-year review, according to a statement from Tai's office.

US President Joe Biden has maintained many of the additional tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on various Chinese exports while introducing new restrictions, particularly on the export of advanced semiconductors and related equipment due to security concerns.

The initial imposition of tariffs in 2018 and 2019 amounted to around $370 billion on thousands of Chinese imports, following a Section 301 investigation that found China engaged in the misappropriation of US intellectual property and coercion of US companies for technology transfer.

China has consistently labeled the US 301 tariffs as "discriminatory," contributing to the broader strain in US-China relations. Contentious issues encompass not only trade but also geopolitical matters such as Taiwan, espionage allegations, human rights, and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, in a reciprocal move, China extended tariff exemptions for certain imported US products until July 31, 2024, as reported by the Chinese finance ministry. The ongoing tit-for-tat tariff actions underscore the complex nature of economic relations between the two global powers.

(With Reuters inputs.)