In an election-year move, the Biden Administration increased tariffs on a variety of Chinese manufactured products. While the tariffs on China's electric cars, lithium batteries, and semiconductors received a lot of media coverage, the new 25% tariff on Chinese-built ship-to-shore cranes did not.

But port officials from several states have filed formal complaints against the tariffs. They insist that they will drive up costs, and push container ships to friendlier ports in Mexico or Canada. Further, the tariffs are intended to protect US manufacturers of cranes, which don't even exist.

They also introduce a legal aspect to the problem. The Port of Long Beach points out that the Biden Administration does not have the legal authority to introduce new tariffs without full public hearings. The Trade Act of 1974, and Section 301 of that Act, is clear on how and when tariffs may be raised or lowered, and the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative lack the legal authority to put tariffs on Chinese cranes without full public review.

Resources and links:

X, Infographic on new tariffs
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FACT SHEET: President Biden Takes Action to Protect American Workers and Businesses from China’s Unfair Trade Practices
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-r...

US Ports, Terminals Call on USTR Tai to Reconsider 25% Tariffs on China-Made Cranes
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-ports-t...

US Ports Warn White House of ‘Grave’ Economic Risks With China Crane Tariff
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsle...

Chevron takeaways: Supreme Court ruling removes frequently used tool from federal regulators
https://apnews.com/article/supreme-co...

CNN, How the Supreme Court’s blockbuster ‘Chevron’ ruling puts countless regulations in jeopardy
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/30/politi...

Closing scene: Shaolin Kung-Fu Temple, Zhengzhou, Henan