USTR Initiates Section 301 Probe into 15 Countries for Excess Capacity

On March 11, 2026, the US Trade Representative initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess manufacturing capacity across 15 countries and regions, including China, the EU, Japan, India, and Mexico. These investigations could lead to the re-imposition of IEEPA tariffs. The move follows the February 20 executive order imposing a 10% blanket tariff on all countries under Section 122.