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On March 11, 2026, the US Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a fresh round of Section 301 trade investigations targeting the policies and industrial practices of 16 economies.

This marks a significant escalation in trade scrutiny at a time when Washington’s earlier tariff strategy has been outlawed by a US Supreme Court ruling.

Countries included are: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India. 

The probe covers sectors including steel, aluminium, automobiles, batteries, electronics, chemicals, machinery, semiconductors and solar modules.

The US investigation identifies several sectors in India where structural excess capacity or export surpluses may exist. These include solar modules, petrochemicals, steel, textiles, health-related goods, construction materials and automotive products.

According to the US notice, India’s solar-module manufacturing capacity is already nearly three times domestic demand, suggesting the possibility of export-driven production surpluses. Similar concerns are raised about expanding capacity in petrochemicals and steel.

Investigation process

Under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, the US government may investigate whether foreign trade practices are unreasonable or........

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