What is Happening?
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador, Jamieson Greer, announced the launch of two new investigations under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974.
- Structural excess capacity and overproduction in manufacturing sectors to determine whether they are unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory and that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
- Failure to impose and effectively enforce bans on importing goods produced with forced labor, assessing whether these practices burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
Economies Named in the Excess Capacity Investigations
The following 16 economies were named in the excess capacity investigations:
- China
- European Union
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Korea
- Vietnam
- Taiwan
- Bangladesh
- Mexico
- Japan
- India
To read the complete USTR excess capacity release, click here.
Economies Named in Forced Labor Investigations
The USTR initiated forced labor investigations of 60 economies, including:
- Colombia
- South Korea
- The UK
- Japan
- China
- The EU
- Philippines
- Argentina
For a complete list of the 60 economies impacted, read the USTR release.
Why it Matters
The USTR frames the excess capacity investigations as part of a broader push to protect and rebuild U.S. manufacturing due to the overproduction of foreign trading partners weakening U.S. producers, crowding existing output, and discouraging the investment needed to expand American manufacturing.
Whereas the forced labor investigations focus on trade fairness and worker protection, arguing that goods made with forced labor can create an artificial cost advantage that U.S. workers and firms must compete against.
What Happens Next
The USTR will seek consultations with each economy whose acts, policies, or practices are under investigation. Key deadlines to be aware of for both investigations include:
- Excess Capacity Investigations:
- A public docket for comments opens on March 17, 2026.
- Written comments and requests to appear at the hearing, with a summary of the testimony, are due on April 15, 2026.
- USTR will begin hearings on May 5, 2026.
- Forced Labor Investigations:
- Written comments, requests to appear at the hearing, and a summary of the testimony are due April 15, 2026.
- USTR will begin hearings on April 28, 2026.
Participating in the comment process is very important in both investigations and is a key opportunity for companies to seek reduced tariffs or potential exclusions under Section 301.