USTR Opens Section 301 Investigations Into Excess Capacity Across 16 Economies
USTR launched Section 301 investigations into 16 economies over structural excess capacity in sectors including steel, aluminum, autos, batteries, semiconductors, chemicals, and electronics.
USTR launched Section 301 investigations into China, the EU, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, India, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Bangladesh over structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors including steel, aluminum, autos, batteries, semiconductors, chemicals, and electronics.
Why it matters
These investigations are widely viewed as the legal pathway to reimpose tariffs at or near pre-SCOTUS levels once the temporary Section 122 surcharge expires on July 24. Section 301 tariffs have no rate cap and no built-in expiration.
Watchouts
Public comments due Apr 15, 2026. Hearings scheduled May 5-8, 2026. New tariffs could land by late summer 2026.