Yoshita Singh
New York, March 12
The administration of Donald Trump has launched investigations into the trade practices of several major economies, including India, China, Japan and the European Union, over concerns they may be harming American manufacturing.
The probe, announced by Jamieson Greer, will examine whether the “acts, policies and practices” of these economies create structural excess capacity in manufacturing that disadvantages producers in the United States.
The investigation has been initiated under Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US government to respond to foreign practices deemed unfair or harmful to American commerce.
Countries and regions under review include Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
In a statement, Mr Greer said the US would “no longer sacrifice its industrial base” to countries exporting the effects of excess production to the American market.
He said many trading partners were producing more goods than their domestic markets could absorb, leading to oversupply that could undermine US manufacturing and discourage investment.
According to the USTR, such overproduction can displace existing American output or prevent new manufacturing capacity from being developed.
The investigation will determine whether these policies are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they restrict US commerce.
The US Trade Representative has requested consultations with the governments involved, a standard step in the process under the law.
A public docket for comments on the investigation will open on 17 March 2026, while hearings are scheduled to begin on 5 May.
PTI
