USA targets global ‘unfair trade’ practices

India, China among 16 economies facing US probe over manufacturing policies

Besides India, China, Japan and the European Union, the economies under scrutiny include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam

metro india news  I new york

The United States has initiated investigations against several of its major trading partners, including India, China, Japan and the European Union, to examine alleged “unfair foreign practices” that could be affecting American manufacturing and commerce.

The move was announced by United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, who said the probe would examine the “acts, policies and practices” of multiple economies under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation will mainly focus on structural excess capacity and overproduction in manufacturing sectors.

Besides India, China, Japan and the European Union, the economies under scrutiny include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the USTR, the investigations will determine whether the policies or practices followed by these economies are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they create an unfair burden on US trade and industries.

Greer said the US government is committed to protecting domestic manufacturing and ensuring that American industries are not harmed by global overproduction.

He stated that the United States will no longer allow its industrial base to suffer due to other countries exporting the effects of their excess manufacturing capacity.

The USTR also pointed out that several economies are producing more goods than they can consume domestically. As a result, the excess products are exported to other markets, including the United States.

This overproduction, according to the US administration, can displace American-made products in the domestic market or discourage investments that could otherwise strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.

Greer noted that the US has already lost significant domestic production capacity in several sectors and is increasingly facing strong competition from foreign manufacturers.

The investigations have been launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US government to take action against foreign practices that are considered unjustifiable, unreasonable or discriminatory and that restrict or burden US commerce.

Under Section 302(b) of the same law, the USTR has the authority to initiate such investigations on its own after consulting with advisory committees and relevant agencies.

Greer said the decision to begin the probe was taken after considering the advice of the inter-agency Section 301 Committee and holding consultations with appropriate advisory bodies.

Following the initiation of the investigation, the USTR will seek consultations with the governments of the economies that are part of the probe.

As part of the process, a public docket inviting comments on the investigation will open on March 17, 2026. The USTR will also hold hearings starting May 5, 2026, to gather views from stakeholders and further assess the impact of these foreign practices on US trade and manufacturing.