President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ trade agenda, the United States has launched a sweeping investigation into 16 major trading partners. The probe, led by US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, targets "unfair trade practices" and structural excess capacity that the administration claims are damaging American factories.

While China remains a primary focus, the inclusion of India has raised eyebrows. This move, initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, could pave the way for fresh tariffs by summer 2026.

Why is India being targeted?

India’s inclusion in this high-profile probe isn't accidental. The USTR has highlighted specific data points that make India a "country of concern" for US manufacturing:

  • In 2025, India’s bilateral trade surplus with the U.S. hit $58 billion. The Trump administration views such large surpluses as evidence of one-sided trade benefits.
  • India’s current solar module manufacturing capacity is nearly triple its domestic demand, cited by the USTR, leading to allegations that the surplus is being "dumped" into the US market.
  • The probe specifically names textiles, steel, petrochemicals, health products (pharmaceuticals), and automotive goods as sectors where India maintains a "structural excess" that displaces American production.

Who else is in the probe?

The investigation covers 16 economies that, together, dominate global exports. They include:

  1. Bangladesh
  2. Cambodia
  3. China
  4. European Union
  5. India
  6. Indonesia
  7. Japan
  8. Korea
  9. Malaysia
  10. Mexico
  11. Norway
  12. Singapore
  13. Switzerland
  14. Taiwan
  15. Thailand
  16. Vietnam

What is Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974?

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is designed to address unfair foreign practices affecting US commerce, may be used to respond to "unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory" foreign government practices that burden or restrict US commerce.

Under Section 302(b) of the Trade Act, the USTR may self-initiate an investigation under Section 301.

An investigation under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act examines whether the acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict US commerce.

Greer has initiated these investigations after considering the advice of the inter-agency Section 301 Committee and consulting with appropriate advisory committees.

Following initiation of the investigation, the United States Trade Representative must seek consultations with the economies whose acts, policies, or practices are under investigation.

USTR has requested consultations with the governments of China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.

A docket for comments regarding the investigations will open on March 17, 2026. USTR will hold a hearing in connection with these investigations starting on May 5, 2026.