Daily briefing · 2026-10-09 · FridayDaily briefing
EYEWEARSEARCH NEWS
USTR Proposes New Section 301 Tariffs on Optical Supply Chain Countries
The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new Section 301 tariffs targeting forced labor in optical supply chain countries following the expiration of Section 122 duties. In response, The Vision Council announced guidance for the optical industry regarding these new tariffs imposed on 60 trading partners.
Policy & Trade
The Vision Council Guides Optical Industry Through New Section 301 Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners
On July 28, 2026, The Vision Council announced guidance for the optical industry regarding new Section 301 tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration on 60 economies. These duties replace expired Section 122 tariffs and include a 12.5% rate on major sourcing markets like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, and a 10% rate on India and Indonesia. The Council advises that the new 12.5% duty on Chinese goods stacks with existing Section 301 rates (7.5% or 25%) rather than superseding them. Traditional eyewear HTS codes do not qualify for exemptions. Additionally, a separate 25% Section 301 duty effective July 22 applies to Brazilian optical products. A proposed 50% penalty on Canadian goods has not yet taken effect. The Council offers a Tariff Dashboard for members to model cost impacts.
USTR Proposes New Section 301 Tariffs Targeting Forced Labor in Optical Supply Chain Countries
Following the expiration of Section 122 duties on July 24, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed new Section 301 tariffs citing forced labor concerns. The proposal includes a 10% additional tariff on imports from 14 countries/regions (including the EU, UK, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and Malaysia) and a 12.5% tariff on 46 other countries (including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand). Separately, a 25% tariff on Brazilian goods is expected after July 15, 2026. These measures target countries lacking effective forced labor prohibitions, distinct from existing 2018 trade practice tariffs. No implementation date is set; a public hearing and comment period are open. The Vision Council notes these changes could increase costs across the optical supply chain.