U.S. Launches New Trade Probes That Could Lead to Tariffs

The United States has opened new investigations into alleged unfair trade practices that could lead to tariffs on dozens of countries, part of a broader effort to rebuild trade leverage after courts struck down earlier tariffs.  

The probes, launched Thursday by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, will examine issues including industrial overcapacity and forced labor practices in global supply chains.  Countries that could be affected include China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations aim to determine whether foreign practices harm American workers and industries.  The inquiries could lead to new tariffs by the middle of this year.

The move follows a court ruling that invalidated some of President Trump’s earlier tariffs imposed under emergency powers, prompting the administration to pursue alternative legal pathways to maintain trade pressure.  Trading partners have raised concerns that the investigations could escalate global trade tensions and disrupt supply chains.

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