As part of the U.S. response to China's unfair trade practices, on April 3, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a proposed list of 1,300 products and materials that could see an additional 25% duty on imports from China in retaliation for "harm to the U.S. economy."

The list includes at least 15 dental and dental industry-related products and materials: 

• Dental cements
• Dental fillings
• Ultrasonic scanning electrodiagnostic apparatus
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) electrodiagnostic apparatus
• Tubular metal needles and needles for sutures
• Dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment
• Dental burs
• Instruments and apparatus used in dental sciences
• Mirrors and reflectors
• Optical instruments and appliances
• Anesthetic instruments and appliances
• Artificial teeth and parts and accessories, composed of plastics
• Dental fittings and parts and accessories, composed of plastics
• Dental fittings and parts and accessories, other than those composed of plastics
• Apparatus based on the use of x-rays for dental uses (other than computed tomography apparatus)

The list will undergo a review and public comment process, according to the USTR.

Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD will closely monitor developments relating to the proposed tariffs.