Section 301

The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services widened to $77.6 billion in May as imports rose 3.3% and exports fell 3.2%. Increased demand for electronics, medicines, and AI-related technology drove higher imports, while the Trump administration’s tariffs and global supply chain disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz conflict failed to consistently reduce the deficit. New trade actions under Section 301 are being prepared to impose tariffs on countries restricting forced labor imports and those subsidizing domestic manufacturing.

European leaders are concerned about China's growing trade surplus with the EU, which reached 360.6 billion euros in 2025, prompting calls for protective measures similar to Trump's Section 301. France's Macron and several EU nations advocate for new tariffs or quotas, while the EU delays aggressive action to avoid Chinese retaliation.

Tropical Storm Arthur caused an estimated $4 billion to $6 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast due to severe flooding. The U.S. has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Germany’s pharmaceutical pricing policies, alleging unfair practices against American drugmakers. Jeff Bezos has pursued a strategy to reduce reliance on SpaceX by expanding alternative space infrastructure and supporting multiple launch providers.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed new tariffs citing forced labor concerns, based on a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices. The investigation aims to support the reinstatement of tariffs previously imposed under the Trump administration.

The Trump administration is proposing tariffs of 10% or more on products from major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, the UK, and others, following an investigation into forced labor practices. China, Japan, India, and other countries would face 12.5% tariffs, with the U.S. Trade Representative citing failures to enforce forced labor import bans. The Chinese government denied the allegations, calling for dialogue to resolve economic issues.

The Trump administration proposed a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing unfair trade practices including digital trade and illegal deforestation. The measures, under Section 301, target areas like electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, intellectual property protection, and ethanol market access.

The Trump administration proposes a 25% tariff on Brazilian goods over unfair trade practices. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the investigation under Section 301 was launched by President Donald Trump.

Trump is seeking to expand powers under Section 301, a trade statute originally designed for targeted disputes, into a tool for permanent trade war authority. The article raises concerns that this evolution goes beyond what Congress originally authorized, potentially transforming the scope of executive trade powers.