Weekly Legislative Update
June 3, 2024

US Announces New Tariff Hikes on Chinese Imports

Some of the steep U.S. tariff increases on an array of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries, computer chips, and medical products, will take effect on August 1, the US Trade Representative's office said.

President Biden will keep tariffs put in place by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump while ratcheting up others, including a quadrupling of import duties on Chinese EVs to over 100% and a doubling of semiconductor duties to 50%.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has recommended tariff exclusions for hundreds of industrial machinery import categories from China, including solar product manufacturing equipment.

In its response, China criticized the US's plan and said it would take "resolute measures" to protect its interests. China said the tariffs are counterproductive and harm the US and global economies.

Rep. Miller Introduces Worker Walkaround CRA

Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution against OSHA’s worker walkaround final rule.

The rule allows union organizers, community activists, or other third parties to accompany OSHA safety and health officers on an inspection of a workplace if as few as two employees request, they do so.

?If passed, the resolution would nullify the final rule and prohibit OSHA from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future. 

“DOL’s final walkaround rule is a regulatory cudgel that will deal crushing blows to the safety of workers and the property rights of employers. This is yet another textbook example of regulatory warfare launched against free enterprise by President Biden. I’m pleased to support Vice Chair Miller’s CRA resolution to gut this rule and fend off more undue Big Labor encroachment by this administration.” -Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)

“The new ‘Walkaround Rule’ fails to further OSHA’s mandate to ensure safe working conditions. Add this flawed rule to numerous examples of the Biden Administration’s determination to impose ambiguous and burdensome regulations for political gain at the expense of American businesses. Requiring businesses to allow third parties access to their facilities introduces additional liability and potential disruption of important safety inspections. I am pleased to join Congresswoman Miller in introducing this joint resolution to protect the integrity of workplace inspections and prevent unsafe and unnecessary interference." -Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Thai Tire Producers Favored in Initial Tariff Ruling

In a preliminary decision, the U.S. Department of Commerce has ruled in favor of Thai manufacturers of bus and truck tires intended for the U.S. market.

On May 15, it was announced that Prinx Chengshan Tire (Thailand) Co. Ltd. will not face any antidumping duties on these tires, while Bridgestone Corp. and other companies will incur a duty rate of 2.35%.

This investigation began following an October petition from the United Steelworkers (USW) union, which alleged that unfairly low prices—dumping margins reaching up to 47.8%—were harming U.S. producers and threatening jobs.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) sanctioned a thorough investigation in late November, during which Prinx Chengshan Tire North America Inc. was the sole company to oppose the USW's petition with in-person testimony.

The ITC's timeline indicates that the DOC must finalize its ruling by July 29. The ITC will then have until September 12 to make its final determination, with the final order expected by September 19.