USTR Announces New Section 301 Investigations
Greetings!
Today, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of new investigations into the trade practices of 16 countries.
The investigations will be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and will cover the trade practices of China, the European Union (EU), Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.
The review will examine whether these countries maintain manufacturing policies that result in production levels exceeding market demand, contributing to overcapacity, overproduction, and persistent U.S. trade deficits.
Today’s announcement was widely expected, as the Trump Administration previously indicated it would seek to replace its reciprocal tariff program through other authorized trade authorities following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. In that case, the Court invalidated the Administration’s reciprocal tariff program implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The newly announced investigations are widely expected to serve as a potential pathway for future tariff actions under existing trade law.
Importantly, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras were not included in today’s announcement.
Additional Section 301 investigations covering other countries are expected to be announced in the coming days.
With today’s announcement, USTR will open a comment period as well as hold public hearings on the matter.
CRA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available on this initial round of investigations, as well as any future announced investigations.
To read a copy of today’s notice, click here.
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