On March 11, 2026, the Trump administration announced the launch of new trade investigations targeting China, Mexico, the European Union, and more than a dozen other economies, aiming to replace President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs that were recently ruled illegal by the Supreme Court [1]. These probes will be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the U.S. to impose tariffs on imported goods from nations found to have engaged in unfair trade practices [1]. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the Section 301 tariffs could replace at least some of the reciprocal tariffs imposed last year without congressional authorization [1].
Greer emphasized that the investigations will focus on acts, policies, and practices related to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, which have led to large and persistent trade surpluses [1]. The economies under investigation include Japan, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Thailand, in addition to Mexico, China, and the EU [1]. Greer also indicated that further Section 301 investigations may be launched on a country-specific basis or using other tools, though he did not provide additional details [1].
The process will involve the Trade Representative Office receiving written comments and holding hearings, as well as consulting with the trading partners subject to the investigation [1]. Following these steps, the USTR will present findings and propose responsive actions, which could include tariffs, fees on services, or other measures [1].
Senator Ron Wyden, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, criticized the probes, stating that President Trump is attempting to replace his illegal trade taxes with a different tariff scheme that would increase prices for Americans [1]. Wyden argued that Trump is not addressing real trade issues or stopping unfair practices by China and other countries, but is instead seeking to reinstate tariffs by any means [1].
CONCLUSION
The Trump administration's Section 301 trade investigations represent a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy, targeting a broad range of economies and potentially leading to new tariffs or other measures. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers who warn of higher prices for Americans. Market participants should expect heightened uncertainty and potential disruptions in global trade flows as the investigations progress.