USTR Expands Hearings as New Tariff Investigations Accelerate
The USTR has expanded Section 301 hearings covering imports from China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, and several EU economies, with preliminary tariff recommendations expected by early summer.
What this affects
China
Vietnam
Mexico
India
European UnionThe update
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has expanded Section 301 hearings involving imports from China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, and several EU economies. Officials are reviewing allegations of excess industrial capacity and unfair trade practices in sectors including semiconductors, batteries, electric vehicles, and steel products. Analysts expect preliminary tariff recommendations to emerge by early summer.
Impact
Expanded Section 301 actions could introduce long-term tariff exposure across multiple industries. Importers may face renewed duties with limited adjustment periods once investigations conclude.
What to watch
Monitor hearing schedules and the product classification lists, which decide who is actually covered. Adjustment periods after an action concludes can be short. Update, September 14, 2026: the forced-labor track ended in 10% and 12.5% Section 301 duties on 60 economies from July 24, 2026. The excess-capacity investigations of 16 economies have produced no determination yet.
How to prepare
- 1Map exposure by HTS code and origin
Section 301 lands on product lists per country, so exposure is per SKU.
- 2Evaluate alternative suppliers now
Qualification takes longer than the adjustment period usually given once an action concludes.
- 3Recalculate landed cost at a higher rate
Model the scenario before it is announced, not after.