On Chinese goods, however, tariffs stayed in place and, in many sectors, grew significantly—including the now-suspended 125 percent ethane tax.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that China receives almost half of the yearly ethane exports from the United States.
Key feedstock for the petrochemical sector, ethane is produced in plastics and other products. Among the biggest providers are U.S.-based energy companies like Enterprise Products Partners and Energy Transfer.
Major Chinese purchasers include Wanhua Chemical Group, Satellite Chemical, SP Chemicals, Sinopec, Sanjiang Fine Chemical.
Beijing’s exception on ethane follows a larger pattern whereby tariffs on some highly sought-after American products are lowered or waived.
China offered last week tariff exemptions for microchips, aviation engines, and drugs as well as tools.
