Ep 55: A Simmer Becomes a Boil: Section 301 Tariffs, China Truce Questions, and a US-EU Digital Dialogue

In this week's episode, our trade insiders examine the wave of Section 301 tariffs tied to forced labor claims. They dig into the legal framework for these actions, the countries identified in the forced labor Section 301 investigation, and prior court decisions involving USTR and executive branch trade actions. The insiders also cover the excess capacity investigation and its potential implications for countries such as Vietnam and the European Union. The panel then turns to the current state of the U.S.–China trade truce ahead of a high-level Chinese visit expected next month and the broader outlook for bilateral trade relations. They also discuss the possibility of a Section 301 investigation involving EU digital trade and how it intersects with the Turnberry discussions, before concluding with the tariff uncertainty surrounding Canada amid the ongoing USMCA review and broader negotiations.Featured Speakers:Ed Gresser, Vice President & Director for Trade & Global Markets, Progressive Policy Institute; former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics - author of the Trade Fact of the WeekBlake Harden, Managing Director, Washington Council Ernst & Young; previously served as Trade Counsel on the House Ways & Means Committee; and in the office of the Chief Counsel at U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionDaniel Mullaney, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle EastModerator: Mike Smart, Managing Director, Rock Creek Global Advisors; former Director for International Trade and Investment, National Security Council, The White House; former Trade Counsel, Democratic Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance