Just now!The United States announced a new Section 301 tariff investigation against 16 trading partn
- Author:weiyun.com
- Source:weiyun.com
- Release Date:2026-03-13
On March 11, local time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a formal notice on the launch of Section 301 investigations. The United States will initiate Section 301 investigations on 16 trading partners, including China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, India and Japan.The subjects of this investigation cover 16 economies including China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India.
It mainly investigates the structural overcapacity and production problems in the manufacturing sector of relevant economies, aiming to re-impose tariff pressure.
Announcement on the official website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative
The so-called "301 investigation" originates from Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.This provision authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate investigations into "unreasonable or unfair trade practices" of other countries and recommend the U.S. president to impose unilateral sanctions after the investigation is completed.
The United States has used this provision to impose tariffs of 7.5% to 25% on more than $300 billion of Chinese goods.
This investigation was initiated, investigated, adjudicated, and executed by the United States itself, and has a strong unilateralist flavor.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that this "Section 301" unfair trade practice investigation may lead to the imposition of new tariffs on China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico before this summer (around May).
The timetable it released shows that the United States has accelerated the process of this investigation. The details are as follows:
March 11, 2026: Investigation starts March 17, 2026: Opinion submission platform opens April 15, 2026: Deadline for written comments and hearing requests May 5-8, 2026: Public hearing Within 7 days after the hearing: Deadline for submission of post-hearing rebuttals
This time, the United States will target "overcapacity" and China's advantageous manufacturing industries, such as automobiles (especially electric vehicles), basic materials, machinery, etc.
Once the investigation determines "overcapacity", for Chinese import and export companies, additional tariffs may be imposed on related goods, and price competitiveness will be weakened. In the import process, U.S. Customs may strengthen origin audits.
The escalation of Sino-US trade friction may also cause delays in two-way customs clearance, increase inspection rates, and reduce the stability of the logistics chain.
Source: Direct News
On March 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun hosted a regular press conference.
Guo Jiakun said that China’s position on Sino-US economic and trade issues is consistent and clear, and it opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures.Tariff wars and trade wars are not in the interests of either party. Both sides should negotiate and resolve relevant issues on the basis of equality, respect and reciprocity.
"The so-called overcapacity is a false proposition, and China opposes using this as an excuse for political manipulation." Guo Jiakun said.
It mainly investigates the structural overcapacity and production problems in the manufacturing sector of relevant economies, aiming to re-impose tariff pressure.
Announcement on the official website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative
The so-called "301 investigation" originates from Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.This provision authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate investigations into "unreasonable or unfair trade practices" of other countries and recommend the U.S. president to impose unilateral sanctions after the investigation is completed.
The United States has used this provision to impose tariffs of 7.5% to 25% on more than $300 billion of Chinese goods.
This investigation was initiated, investigated, adjudicated, and executed by the United States itself, and has a strong unilateralist flavor.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that this "Section 301" unfair trade practice investigation may lead to the imposition of new tariffs on China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico before this summer (around May).
The timetable it released shows that the United States has accelerated the process of this investigation. The details are as follows:
March 11, 2026: Investigation starts March 17, 2026: Opinion submission platform opens April 15, 2026: Deadline for written comments and hearing requests May 5-8, 2026: Public hearing Within 7 days after the hearing: Deadline for submission of post-hearing rebuttals
This time, the United States will target "overcapacity" and China's advantageous manufacturing industries, such as automobiles (especially electric vehicles), basic materials, machinery, etc.
Once the investigation determines "overcapacity", for Chinese import and export companies, additional tariffs may be imposed on related goods, and price competitiveness will be weakened. In the import process, U.S. Customs may strengthen origin audits.
The escalation of Sino-US trade friction may also cause delays in two-way customs clearance, increase inspection rates, and reduce the stability of the logistics chain.
Source: Direct News
On March 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun hosted a regular press conference.
Guo Jiakun said that China’s position on Sino-US economic and trade issues is consistent and clear, and it opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures.Tariff wars and trade wars are not in the interests of either party. Both sides should negotiate and resolve relevant issues on the basis of equality, respect and reciprocity.
"The so-called overcapacity is a false proposition, and China opposes using this as an excuse for political manipulation." Guo Jiakun said.