As Section 122 duties approach their July 24, 2026 expiration date, the U.S. optical industry is facing the prospect of new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The U.S. Trade Representative has announced proposed new tariffs tied to forced labour concerns across more than 60 countries. For the optical industry, which sources frames, lenses and components from many of the affected countries, the proposals could create additional cost pressures across the supply chain.
The proposed duties differ from existing Section 301 tariffs dating back to 2018, which were aimed at deceptive and unfair trade practices. The new measures focus specifically on countries the USTR says either lack effective forced labour import prohibitions or are not adequately enforcing them.
Proposed Section 301 Tariffs
The USTR is proposing two tiers of additional tariffs:
A 10% additional tariff on imports from 14 countries and regions, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and Malaysia.
A 12.5% additional tariff on imports from 46 additional countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
Separately, the USTR has also announced findings from its Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, proposing an additional 25% tariff on a broad range of Brazilian-origin goods. That tariff is expected to take effect after July 15, 2026.
Goods already subject to Section 232 duties would not face additional Section 301 tariffs under the current proposal. Certain product categories are also excluded from the proposed scope.
No implementation date has been established. The USTR has opened a public hearing and written comment period before making any final determination.
Additional Trade Investigations Remain Pending
The Vision Council noted that the USTR also has ongoing Section 301 investigations into structural overcapacity in manufacturing across several countries, including China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
A separate Section 232 investigation into medical devices, which may affect optical products, also remains pending, with an announcement expected soon.
“The tariff landscape continues to shift, and we know our members need clear, timely guidance to make informed decisions,” said Omar Elkhatib, Director of Government Relations at The Vision Council. “As these new Section 301 proposals add another layer of uncertainty, we are closely monitoring these developments and will continue to provide the tools, resources, and expertise our members need to navigate what comes next.”
Vision Council Webinar Planned
The Vision Council is planning a member webinar featuring Rick Van Arnam, Regulatory Affairs Counsel, to review the proposed Section 301 changes, outline steps members should consider before the comment period closes, and address outstanding questions related to the IEEPA refund portal.
Registration details and timing are expected to be shared through member communications.
Industry Resources
The Vision Council is also directing members to its suite of trade and tariff resources, including ongoing updates on tariff developments, its member-only Tariff Dashboard, and country-specific duty guidance, archived webinar recordings and related materials.
The organization says it will continue monitoring developments and providing members with timely updates, practical guidance and advocacy support.
Source: The Vision Council
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
