Knowledge Tree
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Also known as: USTR, United States Trade Representative, Office of the USTR
Facts (87)
Sources
USTR initiates Section 301 investigations of 60 US trade partners ... jdsupra.com Mar 17, 2026 18 facts
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) alleges that the 16 economies targeted for industrial excess capacity investigations “are producing more goods than they can consume domestically,” which “displaces existing US domestic production or prevents investment and expansion in US manufacturing.”
claimThe USTR has not invoked Section 301 provisions that would permit the agency to proceed with investigations without first holding standard public consultation and advisory committee meetings.
quoteThe United States Trade Representative stated regarding the inclusion of countries that have committed to forced labor import prohibitions in the Trump administration’s Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs): "none of these countries has adopted and effectively enforced a forced labor import prohibition to date."
claimOn March 12, 2026, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated Section 301 investigations under the Trade Act of 1974 into the acts, policies, and practices of 60 US trade partners regarding their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
claimAffirmative determinations in the Section 301 investigations initiated by the United States Trade Representative would allow President Trump to impose tariffs and other trade restrictions on imports or to enter into negotiations with the relevant government.
measurementThe USTR and President Trump set an unofficial target date of July 24, 2026, for the completion of the Section 301 investigations and remedy determinations.
procedureAfter concluding a Section 301 investigation, the USTR typically holds additional notice and comment periods to receive input on specific proposed remedies before taking action.
claimThe USTR is conducting the new forced labor import investigations under the discretionary provision of Section 301(b).
procedureUpon making an affirmative determination to take remedial action under Section 301, the USTR must implement that action within 30 days, although there are options to extend this timeline.
claimThe USTR stated an intention to conduct the Section 301 investigations on an expedited basis, although the initiation notice does not specify the actions the USTR is taking to expedite these procedures.
procedureSection 301 authorizes the USTR to (1) impose duties or other import restrictions, (2) withdraw or suspend trade agreement concessions, or (3) enter into a binding agreement with the foreign government to either eliminate the conduct in question or compensate the United States with satisfactory trade benefits.
claimThe United States Trade Representative (USTR) encourages trade partners to coordinate their forced labor import prohibitions with United States actions under Section 307 of the Tariff Act.
quoteThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) stated that Section 301 investigations will proceed on an “accelerated timeframe,” covering most major trade partners and addressing issues including “industrial excess capacity, forced labor, pharmaceutical pricing practices, discrimination against US technology companies and digital goods and services, digital services taxes, ocean pollution, and practices related to the trade in seafood, rice, and other products.”
procedureThe USTR Comments Portal accepts public submissions for docket USTR-2026-0133 and requests to appear at hearings for docket USTR-2026-0134.
claimOn March 10, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of a Section 301 investigation targeting industrial excess capacity in 16 US trade partners: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.
measurementThe United States Trade Representative selected the 60 economies for the Section 301 investigations based on them being the top 60 sources of goods imported into the United States in 2024, which accounted for 99% of all goods imported in that year.
claimPresident Trump and the USTR described the Section 301 investigations as part of a broader plan to replace tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
claimPresident Donald Trump directed the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate new Section 301 investigations targeting US trade partners to provide a legal basis for longer-term tariffs.
USTR Initiates New Section 301 Trade Investigations Into 60 Partners steptoe.com Mar 17, 2026 13 facts
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) identifies aluminum, automobiles, batteries, chemicals, electronics, energy goods, machinery, robotics, semiconductors, ships, solar modules, steel, and transportation equipment as sectors affected by overcapacity and production.
claimOn March 11 and 12, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated Section 301 investigations into the acts, policies, and practices of 60 trading partners regarding structural excess capacity in manufacturing and the failure to enforce prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor.
procedureStakeholder comments and requests to appear at the public hearing regarding the USTR overcapacity investigation are due by 11:59 pm EDT on April 15, 2026.
perspectiveThe USTR asserts that the failure of other countries to adopt and effectively enforce forced labor import prohibitions puts US businesses at a disadvantage because foreign competitors have artificially lower costs.
claimThe USTR is conducting a Section 301 investigation into 60 trading partners regarding their alleged failure to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
claimThe USTR's Section 301 investigation into structural excess capacity will focus on economies that exhibit structural excess capacity and production, such as those with large or persistent trade surpluses or underutilized or unused capacity.
measurementThe public hearing for the USTR forced labor investigation will commence on April 28, 2026, and continue as necessary until May 1, 2026.
procedureStakeholder comments and requests to appear at the public hearing regarding the USTR forced labor investigation are due by 11:59 pm EDT on April 15, 2026.
claimThe USTR forced labor Section 301 investigation includes all 16 trading partners covered in the separate Section 301 investigation into excess capacity, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
claimMany sectors identified by the USTR as affected by overcapacity are also subject to separate investigations regarding national security impacts of imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
procedureComments and requests to appear at public hearings regarding the USTR's March 2026 Section 301 investigations are due by April 15, 2026.
claimThe Section 301 investigations initiated by the USTR in March 2026 aim to determine if foreign government practices regarding manufacturing excess capacity and forced labor enforcement are 'unreasonable' or 'discriminatory' and burden or restrict US commerce.
measurementThe public hearing for the USTR overcapacity investigation will commence on May 5, 2026, and continue as necessary until May 8, 2026.
Initiation of Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and ... federalregister.gov Mar 17, 2026 13 facts
procedurePursuant to Section 302(b)(1)(B) of the Trade Act, the United States Trade Representative consulted with appropriate advisory committees and the inter-agency Section 301 Committee regarding the investigations.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated Section 301 investigations regarding acts, policies, and practices of economies listed in Annex A of the notice related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
measurementThe U.S. Trade Representative initiated the Section 301 investigations on March 12, 2026.
claimSubmissions to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) can be viewed on the USTR electronic portal at https://comments.ustr.gov/s/.
measurementTo be assured of consideration, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) must receive requests to appear and summaries of testimony by April 15, 2026.
procedureThird-party organizations such as law firms, trade associations, or customs brokers submitting comments to the USTR must identify the full legal name of the organization they represent and the primary point of contact.
procedureIf standard procedures are insufficient to protect Business Confidential Information (BCI) or other business interests, parties may contact the USTR Section 301 support line at 202.395.5725 to discuss alternative arrangements.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) posts attachments uploaded to the docket for public inspection, excluding properly designated Business Confidential Information (BCI).
procedureParties uploading attachments containing Business Confidential Information (BCI) to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) must also submit a public version of their comments.
procedurePursuant to Section 303(a) of the Trade Act, the United States Trade Representative is requesting consultations with the governments of the economies currently under investigation.
procedurePursuant to Section 304 of the Trade Act, the United States Trade Representative will determine if the acts, policies, or practices under investigation are actionable under Section 301, and if so, determine the appropriate action to take.
claimJennifer Thornton serves as the General Counsel for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) does not require users to establish an account to submit comments or a notification of intent to testify on the electronic portal.
USTR Launches Broad Section 301 Investigations Into Excess ... dwt.com 2 days ago 11 facts
accountIn 2017, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) investigated the Chinese government's practices regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, resulting in the imposition of tariffs of up to 25% on four tranches of Chinese goods.
procedureThe USTR requires written comments and requests to appear at the May 5, 2026, hearing at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to be submitted via the online USTR docket by April 15, 2026.
claimThe USTR tabled levies on certain Chinese shipbuilding equipment until November 2026.
claimOn March 12, the USTR initiated a second Section 301 investigation focusing on the alleged failure of the United States' 60 largest trading partners to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
procedureThe Section 301 investigation process requires the USTR to initiate an investigation (either via petition or on its own), consult with the involved foreign governments, and have an interagency Section 301 Committee (established under 15 C.F.R. § 2002.3) solicit public comments and hold public hearings to determine if misconduct and harm exist before recommending remedial action.
claimChina's commerce ministry has initiated its own investigations into the United States in response to the USTR's Section 301 investigations.
claimThe USTR claims that the 60 largest trading partners of the United States have failed to enact or enforce laws to prevent trade in goods produced by forced labor, which results in artificially low-cost exports.
claimThe USTR initiated an investigation on March 11, 2026, to determine if structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors in 16 customs jurisdictions, including China, the European Union, and Mexico, are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
claimThe Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiated two investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. § 2411) to investigate alleged unfair trade practices in 60 foreign economies regarding excess supply and forced labor prohibitions.
claimThe USTR scheduled Section 301 tariffs to be imposed in 2027 on most Nicaraguan goods due to human rights practices and on Chinese semiconductors due to government activity in that sector.
measurementFollowing a review by the Biden Administration, the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods originating from the 2017 USTR investigation were increased to as much as 100% for certain goods.
USTR Initiates 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to Failures to ... ustr.gov Mar 12, 2026 7 facts
claimThe United States Trade Representative initiated Section 301(b) investigations into 60 of the largest United States trading partners regarding their failure to impose and effectively enforce bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
claimThe 60 US trade partners subject to the USTR Section 301 investigations regarding forced labor include Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, the European Union, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
procedureThe United States Trade Representative initiates a Section 301(b) investigation by examining whether the acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict United States commerce, after considering the advice of the inter-agency Section 301 Committee and consulting with appropriate advisory committees.
referenceUnder Section 302(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, the United States Trade Representative has the authority to self-initiate an investigation under Section 301.
measurementThe United States Trade Representative scheduled public hearings for the Section 301 investigations on April 28, 2026, with a deadline for written comments and requests to appear at the hearing set for April 15, 2026.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 US trade partners regarding failures to take action on forced labor.
procedureUpon the initiation of a Section 301 investigation, the United States Trade Representative is required to seek consultations with the governments of the economies whose acts, policies, or practices are under investigation.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations into Failures to Enforce a ... kslaw.com Mar 13, 2026 6 facts
claimIf the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that the acts, policies, and practices under investigation are actionable, the United States Administration could impose tariffs or other trade measures on products from 59 countries and the Member States of the European Union.
referenceJudicial review of Section 301 investigations focuses on compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and whether the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) followed the procedural requirements outlined in the statute.
claimThe USTR docket for public comments regarding the Section 301 investigations into forced labor will open on March 18, 2026.
procedureThe USTR is inviting stakeholders, including industry participants and trade associations, to provide written comments on the Section 301 investigation, specifically addressing the investigation's scope, evidence of harm, and suggestions for tariff and non-tariff actions.
claimOn March 12, 2026, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of Section 301 investigations under the Trade Act of 1974 regarding 59 countries and the European Union for failing to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
claimSection 301 investigations provide the U.S. President with leverage to adjust trade remedies to address policy objectives and allow the USTR to align tariff scope and levels with current trade, economic, and national security priorities.
USTR Launches 60 Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Trade linkedin.com Mar 16, 2026 6 facts
claimCountries that fail to address forced labor in goods entering the United States face potential scrutiny and trade consequences from the USTR.
claimThe economies under investigation by the USTR include Algeria, Vietnam, China, the European Union, India, Mexico, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
measurementHearings for the USTR's Section 301(b) investigations are scheduled for April 28, 2026.
procedureUnder Section 301, the USTR has the authority to self-initiate investigations and is required to engage in consultations with affected governments.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated 60 Section 301(b) investigations to identify economies allowing goods produced with forced labor to enter the United States.
perspectiveThe objective of the USTR's Section 301(b) investigations is to distinguish between regimes that effectively prohibit forced labor and those that do not, in order to ensure American workers and firms do not compete on an unethical playing field.
Fact Sheet: USTR Initiates 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to ... ustr.gov 5 facts
procedureThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will hold public hearings covering each of the 60 economies subject to Section 301 investigations starting on April 28.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is inviting public comments regarding 60 Section 301 investigations by April 15.
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 specific economies: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, European Union, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
claimNone of the 60 economies subject to the United States Trade Representative's Section 301 investigations appear to have both adopted and effectively enforced a forced labor import prohibition to date.
measurementThe Section 301 investigations initiated by the United States Trade Representative focus on 60 top United States trading partners, which collectively accounted for more than 99% of United States imports in 2024.
Tracking Trump's Trade Deals | Council on Foreign Relations cfr.org Mar 17, 2026 5 facts
quoteThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) stated: "The U.S.-Thailand Agreement will lower non-tariff barriers facing American businesses and industries, from issuing import permits for U.S. ethanol for fuel to accepting U.S. certificates for medical devices and pharmaceuticals."
claimU.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the administration would initiate several investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, continue ongoing 301 investigations involving Brazil and China, maintain existing Section 232 tariffs, and conclude ongoing investigations to yield new duty rates to replace Section 122 tariffs.
quoteAmerican Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland stated: “We appreciate President Trump and his administration’s efforts in maintaining market access for U.S. soybeans into Indonesia, and the commitment from USTR [the office of the U.S. Trade Representative] to address nontariff barriers in that market.”
quoteThe Office of the USTR stated: “The U.S.-Guatemala Framework builds upon our longstanding partnership, expanding business opportunities, addressing non-tariff barriers, and opening new markets for American industrial and agricultural exporters. The deal will also reward U.S. textile production and help strengthen our textile supply chain.”
procedureIndonesia agreed to reform its pre-shipment inspection mechanism to address U.S. exporter concerns and committed to meeting with the U.S. Trade Representative every two weeks to ensure reforms are timely.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations Relating to Structural ... ustr.gov Mar 11, 2026 2 facts
claimThe Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will provide a docket for the public to submit requests to appear at the public hearing regarding the Section 301 investigations.
claimThe United States Trade Representative will open a docket for public comments regarding the Section 301 investigations on March 17, 2026.
International Trade Agreements and U.S. Tariff Laws everycrsreport.com May 12, 2025 1 fact
claimSection 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. § 2411) authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to respond to foreign trade practices that violate U.S. rights under a trade agreement or are deemed unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.