TARIFF TRACKER
USTR opens Section 301 investigations into manufacturing excess capacity
USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into certain economies' structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. No tariffs are imposed in this notice, but USTR seeks comments on possible tariff and non-tariff actions.
Updated October 12, 2026
STATUS
Proposed
·
Section 301
COUNTRIES
China, European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, India
PRODUCT FAMILIES
Steel, Aluminum, Electrical, Industrial machinery, Autos/parts, Semiconductors/electronics, Chemicals/plastics
COVERED GOODS
No HTS headings are listed. The investigations concern structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, including aluminum, automobiles, batteries, chemicals, electronics, machinery, plastics, semiconductors, ships, solar modules, steel and transportation equipment.
WHAT TO DO (OUR GUIDANCE, NOT LEGAL ADVICE)
If you source from the named economies in the listed manufacturing sectors, review exposure and consider filing comments by April 15, 2026. Monitor the dockets because USTR is seeking views on possible tariff and non-tariff actions.
SOURCES
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE notice, 91 FR 12886 (March 17, 2026)
QUOTES FROM THE SOURCE
Signed: "March 11, 2026: The U.S. Trade Representative initiated the investigations." (source)
Countries: "China, the European Union (EU), Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India." (source)
Covered goods: "An illustrative list of sectors plagued by excess capacity and production includes aluminum, automobiles, batteries, cement, chemicals, electronics, energy goods, glass, machine tools, machinery, non-ferrous metals, paper, plastics, processed food and beverages, robotics, satellites, semiconductors, ships, solar modules, steel, and transportation equipment." (source)
Status: "Pursuant to section 304 of the Trade Act, USTR must determine whether the act, policy, or practice under investigation is actionable under section 301." (source)
Awaiting check
Quotes matched to source text by machine; awaiting human check.
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