Logistics & shipments
USTR proposes extending the maritime Section 301 pause
USTR is seeking comments on a further two-month suspension of specified maritime Section 301 actions, through 9 January 2027. Comments are due on 30 October 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern; the notice proposes an extension rather than enacting it.
What changed
The existing suspension ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on 9 November 2026.
The proposed continuation would cover 10 November–9 January and prevent liability during that period for the specified maritime-service fees in Annexes I–III and duties in Annex V.A. A final action is still needed; the proposal does not suspend every China-related Section 301 tariff.
Three checks for import teams
- Separate charges covered by these named maritime annexes from other tariffs and carrier charges.
- Keep both the current 9 November end date and the proposed 9 January end date in freight-cost planning until a final notice is published.
- If submitting comments, use USTR-2026-0694 and the USTR portal by 30 October at 5 p.m. Eastern.