China Temporarily Suspends Tariff Exclusions on Certain U.S. Imports, Including Alcoholic Beverages

According to a report published on July 22, 2025, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, China will suspend, starting August 1, 2025, the market-based tariff exclusion process for certain imports from the United States, including specific alcoholic beverages. All previously approved exclusions will remain valid only until September 14, 2025.
Chinese importers attempting to submit new tariff exclusion requests on the Ministry of Finance’s official website encounter a pop-up window stating: “No new applications will be accepted for this tariff line from August 1, 2025, and approved applications will be valid until September 14, 2025.” So far, the Ministry has not issued any official announcement or explanation regarding this suspension. However, industry sources confirm that most U.S. agricultural products, including alcoholic beverages, are affected by the measure.
This marks a significant shift from the mechanism introduced in March 2020 by China’s State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC), under the Ministry of Finance. At that time, a market-based tariff exclusion process was established, allowing importers to apply for exemptions from retaliatory tariffs imposed under Section 301. The list of eligible tariff lines included 696 codes, roughly 150 of which related to food and agricultural products. The SCTC also permitted exclusion requests for products not listed officially.
The announced suspension could have substantial implications for U.S. agricultural exports to China, the world’s largest market and an important trade partner.

Photo Credit: Freepik

Source: United States Department of Agriculture