US Launches Section 301 Probes Into 16 Major Trading Partners for Unfair Trade Practices
The United States on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, initiated investigations into the trade practices of 16 key economic partners, a move by the Trump administration to reinstate tariffs invalidated by a recent Supreme Court ruling. These investigations, conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aim to address alleged unfair trade practices that disadvantage U.S. Goods producers.
Details of the Section 301 Probes
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 empowers the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose tariffs or other retaliatory measures against countries found to be engaging in unfair trade practices . The administration contends that these 16 nations employ policies that create trade imbalances, with all but one maintaining substantial goods trade surpluses with the U.S.
Countries Under Investigation
The following countries are currently subject to the Section 301 investigations:
- European Union
- China
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Cambodia
- Bangladesh
- Norway
- Singapore
Trade Surplus/Deficit Data (2025)
| Country/Area | Goods Trade Surplus/Deficits (2025 – $ million) | Goods Trade Surplus/Deficits (2024 – $ million) | Change ($ million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | 235,874 | 218,750 | -17,124 |
| China | 295,515 | 202,071 | -93,444 |
| Mexico | 171,491 | 196,913 | 25,422 |
| Vietnam | 123,457 | 178,183 | 54,726 |
| Taiwan | 73,718 | 146,756 | 73,038 |
| Thailand | 45,492 | 71,856 | 26,364 |
| Japan | 69,392 | 63,883 | -5,509 |
| India | 45,801 | 58,216 | 12,415 |
| South Korea | 65,967 | 56,416 | -9,551 |
| Switzerland | 38,283 | 34,304 | -3,979 |
| Malaysia | 24,854 | 30,791 | 5,937 |
| Indonesia | 17,893 | 23,716 | 5,823 |
| Cambodia | 12,327 | 14,928 | 2,601 |
| Bangladesh | 6,063 | 7,146 | 1,083 |
| Norway | 2,043 | 2,069 | 26 |
| Singapore | -1,855 | -3,553 | -1,698 |
Background: Section 301 and Trump’s Trade Policy
The investigations represent an effort by the Trump administration to re-establish tariffs that were recently deemed illegal by the Supreme Court . U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the probes will likely be expanded to include additional nations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent anticipates that U.S. Tariffs will return to pre-Supreme Court ruling levels by August . The administration maintains its commitment to protecting American jobs and ensuring fair trade with its partners .
However, some legal experts question whether Section 301 can legitimately replace the previously invalidated tariffs .
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