The Trump administration is pivoting to Section 301 trade investigations targeting major trading partners after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under emergency economic powers, with USTR Jamieson Greer vowing to pursue new probes into pharmaceutical pricing, industrial overcapacity, and discrimination against American tech firms — keeping tariffs on the table as an enforcement tool.
US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer announced, on 20 February 2026, plans to launch multiple investigations under Section 301 trade provisions targeting most major trading partners, following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The forthcoming probes will examine diverse trade issues, including pharmaceutical pricing practices, industrial overcapacity, forced labour concerns, and discrimination against American technology firms and digital products. Additional focus areas include digital services taxes, ocean pollution, and specific commodity trade practices involving seafood and rice.
Greer indicated USTR would accelerate investigation timelines, with tariffs remaining a potential enforcement tool if unfair practices are discovered. The administration has already secured framework agreements with twelve countries and finalised deals with seven others, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Ongoing Section 301 investigations involving Brazil, China, and other nations will continue, potentially leading to additional tariffs if violations are confirmed.
Earlier, the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% imposed under IEEPA were invalid, specifically affecting Trump’s reciprocal and fentanyl-related duties. However, Greer emphasised that other tariffs imposed under different legal authorities remain intact. In response, President Trump introduced a temporary 10% global import duty for 150 days and directed USTR to pursue new Section 301 investigations.
