The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced this week the initiation of Section 301 investigations into the trade practices of 16 major trading partners.  This action follows the Supreme Court’s February 20 ruling that struck down the administration’s IEEPA tariffs as illegal.

The countries under investigation are China, the European Union, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway.

As authorized under Section 301, the investigations will focus on structural excess, manufacturing capacity, and unfair trade practices that disadvantage U.S. producers. A second investigation targeting goods made with forced labor is also expected to be initiated, potentially covering a broader set of sixty plus countries.

Here is the proposed timeline:

  • March 17: USTR opens public comment docket
  • April 15: Deadline for written comments
  • May 5: Public hearing begins
  • July 24: Current 10% global tariff (Section 122) expires

Treasury Secretary Bessent has indicated that by August, tariff levels are expected to return to where they were prior to the Supreme Court ruling.