US Trade Representative Launches Major Section 301 Investigations on Manufacturing Excess Capacity and Forced Labor Imports

The Office of the United States Trade Representative under Jamieson Greer launched two major Section 301 investigations on March 11 and 12, 2026. According to JD Supra, the first targets 16 key trading partners including China, the European Union, Japan, India, Mexico, and others for structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors like steel, semiconductors, electric batteries, and solar modules. The second covers all 60 of Americas largest trading partners for failing to enforce bans on importing goods made with forced labor. JD Supra reports that Greer aims to wrap up these probes quickly, with public comments due by April 15, hearings in late April and early May, potentially leading to new tariffs before current Section 122 tariffs expire on July 24. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck notes these moves follow the Supreme Courts February invalidation of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, shifting to Section 301 for broader trade remedies. Greer emphasized protecting United States workers from unfair competition due to state subsidies, wage suppression, and labor abuses abroad. From March 15 to 16, Greer joined Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Paris for talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Xinhua reports the delegations held candid discussions on tariffs, trade investment, and consultation mechanisms, reaching new consensus to avoid escalation and promote stable relations. Feedstuffs confirms the meetings focused on mutual concerns amid recent United States actions. On March 17, the United States Trade Representative announced resolution of a USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism case at Thyssens Krupp facility in Mexico. The USTR press release states Greer directed resumption of tariff liquidation after the company reinstated workers, paid backpay, signed union agreements, and adopted freedom of association guidelines, with Mexico providing training and monitoring. These steps highlight Greers push for reindustrialization, fair labor, and strategic trade enforcement. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.