Tariffs on China Spare Some Chemical Imports Amid Trade War Fears

More than 140 chemicals used for manufacturing, textiles, and agriculture have been removed from $200 billion in tariffs that the U.S. is imposing on China.

Some of the chemicals include phosphorus, vinyl chloride—which is used to make plastic pipes—and a variety of herbicides.

But the American Chemistry Council, the industry’s main trade body, said Sept. 17 that any temporary benefits from chemical imports being spared would likely be overshadowed by a rapidly escalating trade war.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced retaliatory tariffs Sept. 18 of $60 billion of new U.S. ...