On Wednesday, August 1 the U.S. Trade Representative announced an increase in the proposed tariff rate against Chinese goods related to its investigation into China’s intellectual property practices. Originally, the USTR had announced proposed tariffs of 10 percent on $200 billion in Chinese goods through a notice and comment process which began on July 10. According to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, “the increase in the possible rate of the additional duty is intended to provide the Administration with additional options to encourage China to change its harmful policies and behavior and adopt policies that will lead to fairer markets and prosperity for all of our citizens.” The USTR will hear comment on this potential duty until September 5.