US Launches New Probes That May Lead to Global Tariffs

The United States has launched new investigations into what it describes as unfair trade practices by dozens of countries, a move that could lead to fresh tariffs and other trade penalties.

The probes were announced on Wednesday as the administration of Donald Trump seeks alternative measures after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed earlier under emergency economic powers.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations will examine issues including excess industrial production and the import of goods linked to forced labour.

One investigation focuses on economies believed to have structural overcapacity in manufacturing sectors. The review covers several major trading partners, including the European Union, China, Japan and India, among others.

Additional countries under scrutiny include Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and Mexico.

Greer said the investigation will focus on economies where there is evidence of structural excess capacity and production across various manufacturing industries. He did not specify whether any eventual penalties would differ between countries.

A second investigation, expected to begin shortly, will examine whether trading partners have effective laws to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labour. The review could affect around 60 countries.

Greer said the aim is not to judge domestic conditions within those countries but to assess whether they enforce regulations banning imports linked to forced labour.

The move comes weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that the administration had exceeded its authority when imposing global tariffs under emergency powers.

Following that ruling, Washington introduced a temporary 10 percent duty on imports, set to remain in place until July 24 while officials work on longer-term trade measures.

Both investigations will be conducted by the Office of the US Trade Representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The same legal authority was used during Trump’s first presidency to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, many of which remain in force.

Officials say the latest probes are expected to be completed as quickly as possible, potentially before the temporary duties expire.

The move also comes ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing in April, where trade issues are expected to feature prominently in discussions.