What do "Section 301 tariffs" specifically target?

"Section 301 tariffs" specifically target unfair trade practices, primarily those related to intellectual property rights and technology transfer, with a significant focus on actions taken by China. These tariffs are part of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the U.S. government to impose duties on imports that are found to be the result of unfair trade practices.

The rationale behind these tariffs is to address issues such as forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft, which have been major concerns for U.S. businesses operating in or trading with China. By imposing these tariffs, the U.S. aims to encourage China to alter its trade policies and practices to align more closely with international norms and fair competition.

Other options address different topics; for instance, customs regulations related to imported food items and environmental impacts of imports do not fall under the purview of Section 301. Similarly, export duties for specific products relate to international trade policies but are not a focus of Section 301, which is specifically concerned with the imposition of tariffs on imports in response to identified unfair practices.