The probes followed the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on trading partners.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Feb. 20 that his office will launch new investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act, potentially covering most major trading partners.
Section 301 investigations look into potential unfair trade practices by trading partners, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) may employ tariffs on those found to be in violation.
Greer said that several probes will be launched under the act to counter what he described as “unjustifiable, unreasonable, discriminatory, and burdensome acts, policies, and practices by many trading partners.”
The probes came after the Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on trading partners using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Greer said the Supreme Court ruling affected only Trump’s reciprocal and fentanyl-related tariffs, while extensive tariffs imposed under other statutory authorities will remain in place.
He said the administration is looking at alternative tools to implement Trump’s reciprocal tariffs aimed at addressing the U.S. trade deficit in goods, countering unfair treatment by trading partners, and incentivizing reshoring of production to the United States.
“Our partners have been responsive and engaged in good-faith negotiations and agreements despite the pending litigation, and we are confident that all trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will remain in effect,” Greer said in a statement.
The new trade investigations will cover various areas, including industrial excess capacity, forced labor, pharmaceutical pricing practices, discrimination against U.S. technology companies and digital goods and services, digital services taxes, and ocean pollution.
Greer said the probes will also look into trading partners’ practices related to seafood, rice, and other products, adding that he plans to carry out the probes “on an accelerated timeframe.”
“If these investigations conclude that there are unfair trading practices and that responsive action is warranted, tariffs are one tool that may be imposed,” he said.
Greer also said his office will continue existing Section 301 investigations, including probes involving Brazil and China, noting that tariffs will be imposed if unfair trading practices are found.
