U.S. Imposes 10 Percent Tariff on Some Chinese Glass and Metal Products

Chinese materials used in the glass, glazing and metal industries will be subject to a 10 percent tariff effective September 24, 2018. The Trump Administration announced a finalized list of $200 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods Monday. Starting January 1, 2019, the new tariffs will increase to 25 percent.

The tariff list includes:

• Various float glass products;
• Glass mirrors;
• Glass frit;
• Laminated safety glass;
• Glass in the mass of fused quartz or other fused silica; and
• Enamels, glazing, pigments, colors and lustres for the glass industries.

Base metal door closers suitable for buildings, base metal automatic door closers and base metal parts are also affected. Base metal, other than iron, steel, aluminum or zinc, mountings and fittings suitable for buildings are also included in the tariffs.

China retaliated to the latest trade escalation with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods including small aircraft, computers and textiles at a 5-percent rate and chemicals, meat, wheat and wine at a 10-percent rate. These tariffs will also go into effect September 24, 2018.

The President commented that he would consider subjecting an additional $267 billion worth of Chinese goods to tariffs if China retaliated.

American Architectural Manufacturers Association executive vice president Janice Yglesias responded to the recent tariff developments.

“It is critical that government officials involved in developing this resolution recognize the potentially far-reaching consequences of the outcome,” she said. “Tariffs on aluminum and steel imports or exports could impact all fenestration industry companies to varying degrees since these materials are used in numerous components as well as manufacturing machinery. The complexity of the issues in play likely warrant a multi-faceted comprehensive strategy in order to implement an effective solution.”

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) also spoke out against the tariffs.

“WDMA is very disappointed with the Trump Administration’s decision to impose a tariff on the list of products from China,” said WDMA president and CEO Michael O’Brien. “Window, door and skylight manufacturers utilize many of the products on the list in the manufacturing process. These additional tariffs will likely lead to price increases for the residential and commercial construction markets and continue the threat of a trade war with China. WDMA urges the Trump Administration to reconsider this onerous action.”