Washington on Wednesday escalated its trade agenda by launching new Section 301 investigations into more than a dozen major trading partners. The move signals a potential new round of tariffs as the Trump administration seeks to replace its temporary, court-driven tariff framework with country and sector specific actions.
Which Economies Are Under Review
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it is opening formal probes into the European Union, Mexico and China, three of the largest sources of U.S. imports. The list also includes Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Japan and India.
Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said the investigations will focus on evidence of “structural excess capacity” in manufacturing. He pointed to indicators such as persistent trade surpluses and unused production capacity. Greer said the administration expects to identify unfair practices, which could support future tariff actions.
Tariffs, Court Ruling, and the 150 Day Clock
The investigations follow the imposition of a blanket 10% tariff across trading partners after the Supreme Court struck down many country specific tariffs in late February. The ruling said Donald Trump exceeded authority using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for broad, rapid tariffs.
The current 10% duty rests on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which limits the measure to 150 days. Greer said he wants the Section 301 work finished before that window closes. He said the president would have options, but the priority is completing the investigations quickly.
Forced Labor Action and Likely Partner Pushback
Greer also said the U.S. plans a separate announcement later this week tied to imports made with forced labor. Forced labor goods are already barred under Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Enforcement was strengthened by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021, which targeted goods linked to Xinjiang.
Trading partners are expected to object, especially after several reached framework arrangements over the past year. The announcement also raises questions for existing accords, including the United States Mexico Canada Agreement. In Europe, the ratification of a summer trade deal has been paused amid broader tensions. Bernd Lange, who heads the European Parliament trade committee, warned of “tariff chaos” and rising uncertainty.
Switzerland may face extra scrutiny after Trump described a personal grievance involving then president Karin Keller-Sutter. Trump said he initially favored a 39% rate, later reduced to 15% after industry pressure, including a visit from Rolex.