U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on May 27 that a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the newly proposed U.S.–China Board of Trade will be issued "shortly," marking the first formal step toward tariff reductions on roughly $30 billion in non-sensitive goods. For B2B importers, this is not just a policy update — it's a rare window to shape which product categories receive tariff relief and which remain locked behind elevated duties.
Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event on May 27, 2026, Greer provided the most detailed timeline yet for the Board of Trade mechanism agreed upon during the May 14–15 Trump–Xi summit in Beijing. Key takeaways:
This is the first time the U.S. government has formally asked the business community to weigh in on which Chinese imports should receive tariff relief. The stakes are significant.
The Board of Trade is one of two new bilateral mechanisms created during the Trump–Xi summit (the other being a Board of Investment). According to MOFCOM and USTR statements, the Board's mandate includes:
| Dimension | Details |
|---|---|
| Membership | Joint U.S.–China consultative body |
| Initial scope | ~$30 billion in non-sensitive goods per side |
| Decision mechanism | Reciprocal tariff reductions on equivalent-scale product sets |
| Timeline | Public comment → Product list negotiation → Implementation |
| Legal basis | Distinct from Section 301 / Section 122 actions |
Based on USTR statements and Chinese analyst reports, the following categories are strong candidates for tariff relief:
Categories explicitly excluded from any relief:
The Federal Register public comment period is the primary channel for businesses to influence which products make the cut. Here's why importers should pay close attention:
Unlike traditional trade agreements where product lists are negotiated behind closed doors, the Board of Trade framework explicitly invites stakeholder input before the list is finalized. This means importers who submit comments can advocate for their specific HS codes.
Greer has been unambiguous: only "non-sensitive" goods qualify. The definition of "non-sensitive" will be shaped by the comment process. Importers of products in gray areas — such as industrial components, specialty chemicals, or consumer electronics accessories — should make their case.
CBP's CAPE tool (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) is now processing Phase 1 IEEPA duty refunds. Importers should ensure they've filed CAPE Declarations for eligible entries while simultaneously preparing Board of Trade comments for forward-looking tariff relief.
The notice will appear at federalregister.gov. Once published, it will include:
Effective comments typically include:
| Element | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Company profile | Business size, import volumes, supply chain footprint |
| Product specifics | HS codes, current tariff rates, annual import values |
| Economic impact | How tariffs affect pricing, employment, competitiveness |
| Supply chain alternatives | Whether alternative sourcing exists (and at what cost) |
| National security considerations | Why the product is genuinely non-sensitive |
| Quantitative data | Sales figures, job numbers, cost breakdowns |
Trade groups — such as the National Association of Manufacturers, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the U.S.–China Business Council — will submit consolidated comments. Participating through these channels amplifies your voice and ensures your product categories are represented.
While USTR runs the process, members of Congress can submit letters of support for specific product categories. Importers with significant operations in a district should brief their representatives.
The 10% global tariff under Section 122 expires in late July 2026. The administration needs the Board of Trade process to demonstrate that tariff relief is being managed strategically — not abandoned. This creates political incentive to move quickly on the $30 billion product list.
However, the legal foundation of Section 122 itself is in question. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Section 122 tariffs illegal on May 7, 2026, and while the Federal Circuit has temporarily stayed that ruling, the administration may let Section 122 expire rather than risk another court defeat.
A new Section 301 investigation is underway and expected to produce findings by late summer 2026. This investigation will likely replace the expiring Section 122 authority with more durable, legally grounded tariffs targeting specific Chinese practices. Importers should prepare for:
Greer himself acknowledged that supply chains won't return to pre-tariff patterns. China's share of U.S. imports fell from over 21% in 2017 to under 10% by late 2025. The managed trade framework is designed to maintain this diversification trend while allowing selective, low-risk trade flows to resume.
The Federal Register notice for the U.S.–China Board of Trade represents the most consequential opportunity for B2B importers to influence tariff policy since the trade war began. The $30 billion product list will be shaped by public input, and importers who participate effectively stand to gain significant cost relief. But the broader trajectory is clear: managed trade with permanently higher tariff floors for China, selective relief for non-sensitive goods, and continued supply chain diversification pressure.
The window to shape the outcome is opening. Importers should be ready to act the moment the Federal Register notice drops.
Published May 28, 2026 | HanseBrief — Global Trade Intelligence for B2B Importers