USTR Launches Section 301 Trade Probe Into 16 Economies, Including India

New Delhi, Mar 13 (KNN) The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on Wednesday announced the initiation of investigations into the acts, policies and practices of 16 economies, including India, under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. 

The probe will examine whether structural excess capacity and overproduction in manufacturing sectors are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden US commerce.

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

Announcing the move, Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, said the investigations reflect the administration’s efforts to rebuild domestic manufacturing and critical supply chains.

“The United States will no longer sacrifice its industrial base to other countries that may be exporting their problems with excess capacity and production to us,” Greer said, adding that overproduction abroad can displace US manufacturing output or discourage new domestic investment.

He emphasised, “The Trump Administration’s reindustrialisation efforts continue to face significant challenges due to foreign economies’ structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.”

Investigation Process

Section 301 of the Trade Act is used by the United States to address unfair foreign practices affecting U.S. commerce. Under Section 302(b), the U.S. trade representative can self-initiate investigations into such practices.

Following the initiation, the USTR will seek consultations with the governments of the economies under review. The agency will also open a public docket for comments on March 17, 2026.

Interested stakeholders can submit written comments and requests to appear at hearings by April 15, 2026, along with a summary of their testimony. A public hearing is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2026.

(KNN Bureau)