Summary:
In notices published on April 23, 2025, and June 12, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed certain modifications to the actions being taken in this investigation. This notice announces a determination by the U.S. Trade Representative to modify the action by: altering the fee basis and rate for vehicle carrier vessels as provided in Annex III of the April 23 notice, and by exempting operators of vessels in the Maritime Security Program; eliminating paragraph (j) of Annex IV of the April 23 notice, which provided that USTR could direct the suspension of licensing for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments if the schedule of restrictions set forth in Annex IV was not met; and imposing additional duties of 100 percent on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and duties of 100 percent on certain cargo handling equipment of China as described in Annex V.A of this notice. In addition, the U.S. Trade Representative is proposing further modifications to certain aspects of the responsive action. This notice announces the opening of a public comment docket for interested parties to comment on the proposed further modifications. This notice also sets forth ministerial clarifications to provide greater certainty on the operation of the action being taken in this investigation.