IMPORTERS in China are preparing applications for waivers on import tariffs levied on more than 700 U.S. goods in the Sino-U.S trade war, after the Ministry of Finance said it would start taking submissions.

A list of goods on which waivers may be granted includes meats such as beef and pork, soybeans, coal and copper scrap, according to a ministry website.

The waivers are for tariffs imposed in July last year on US$50 billion worth of U.S. goods in retaliation for similar measures taken by Washington.

“We’re preparing our application, we’ll soon submit our materials,” said Shi Lei, a manager at meat importer Beijing Hopewise. “This is good news for us.”

China said last month that it would start a waiver program, amid worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its slowing economy.

Other goods on the list include tractors, motorbikes, mountain bikes and some pieces of medical equipment.

Applicants have from June 3 to July 5 to apply for these waivers. A second batch of waivers will be granted on tariffs that were imposed on US$60 billion worth of goods in September last year.

The application process for those waivers will open Sept. 2, the ministry said.

“Applicants must be interested parties of imports in China, including importers, consumers and industrial associations,” it said in a statement, adding that some waivers could be applied retroactively.

Industrial associations were encouraged to represent their members to make applications.

Applicants needed to explain if the tariffs “have caused serious economic damage” to the applicant and the industry. They also needed to explain if there were alternatives for U.S. goods imports.

The ministry did not say when waivers would be granted.

(SD-Agencies)