US: 301 investigation to be launched against 16 trading partners

On March 11, 2024, U.S. Trade Representative Greer officially announced that he would launch a 301 investigation of 16 major trading partners, involving economies such as China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, India and Japan. 301 investigation is based on Article 301 of the U.S. Trade Law of 1974, which gives the U.S. Trade Representative the power to unilaterally investigate the trade policies of other countries. If it is determined that there are "unreasonable or unfair trade practices", the U.S. President can be advised to impose tariffs. Unilateral sanctions. This mechanism is completely initiated, investigated, judged and implemented by the United States. It has distinct unilateralism characteristics and is often used as a tool to pressure trade opponents. The large-scale survey, which covers a number of important economies, shows the tough stance of the United States in the field of trade, which may lead to new trade frictions and pose a challenge to the global trading system and multilateral rules.