The United States has launched separate trade investigations targeting dozens of countries over alleged unfair practices, a move that could lead to new tariffs. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Donald Trump’s previous global tariff strategy. In a simultaneous action, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve, citing disruptions to global oil markets.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the administration is initiating probes under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. One investigation will examine claims of structural excess industrial capacity, focusing on major economies including the European Union, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, Singapore, and Switzerland. A second probe, expected to begin shortly, will assess whether approximately 60 trading partners have laws prohibiting the import of goods produced with forced labor.
Greer stated the excess capacity probe will evaluate evidence of overproduction in various manufacturing sectors, though he did not specify if potential penalties would vary by country. He asserted that the new investigations are independent of existing tariff agreements with some targeted nations, such as the EU and Japan. The administration’s overarching goal remains protecting American jobs and ensuring fair trade, with tariffs considered a potential tool.
These actions come weeks after the Supreme Court blocked Trump’s earlier use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs. In response, Trump implemented a temporary 10% universal tariff while his administration works on more durable measures. Greer indicated further country-specific investigations are planned and expressed a desire to conclude the current probes before the temporary duties expire in late July.
The Section 301 authority used for these probes is the same legal basis employed for tariffs on Chinese imports during Trump’s first term, many of which are still in effect. Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos, however, remain unaffected by the court’s decision. Greer noted it is too early to determine how any new penalties might interact with existing sectoral duties or bilateral agreements.
The trade developments precede an expected summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next month. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy said the strategic petroleum reserve release will begin next week and take about 120 days to complete. The agency attributed the decision to market disruptions from conflict in the Middle East and accused Iran of threatening energy security.
Both the trade investigations and the oil release reflect a renewed push by the Trump administration to leverage economic tools in pursuit of its policy objectives amid international tensions.
