US Launches Section 301 Trade Probe Into EU, China and India

The United States has launched a broad trade investigation targeting 16 major trading partners, including the European Union, China and India. The probe, announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), is being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and will examine foreign manufacturing policies and their impact on US trade.

Countries covered by the investigation include China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Bangladesh. Officials say the inquiry will focus on whether industrial policies and excess manufacturing capacity in these economies create unfair competitive pressure on US industries.

The move follows a February 2026 decision by the US Supreme Court that struck down key tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under emergency economic powers. In response, the administration has begun exploring alternative legal mechanisms to maintain its trade policy stance, with Section 301 investigations seen as a pathway to impose new import duties if unfair practices are confirmed.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigation process will be transparent and open to public input, including written submissions and hearings. Depending on the findings, the US government could introduce new tariffs or other trade measures against the countries involved.