US launches trade investigation into Bangladesh, 15 other countries

The administration of Donald Trump has launched a new trade investigation targeting Bangladesh and 15 other countries over concerns related to structural excess capacity and manufacturing production that could affect US commerce.

The announcement was made on Wednesday (March 12) by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

This move follows last month’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down a key part of former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations are being initiated under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974.

The probe will examine whether the acts, policies, and practices of several economies are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and whether they burden or restrict US commerce.

The economies under investigation include China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India.

“The United States will no longer sacrifice its industrial base to other countries that may be exporting their problems with excess capacity and production to us,” Greer said in a statement.

He added that the administration’s efforts to rebuild US manufacturing continue to face challenges due to structural overproduction in several foreign economies, which can displace US domestic production or discourage new investment in American factories.

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is designed to address unfair foreign practices that affect US commerce. The law allows the United States to investigate and respond to foreign government policies considered unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory.

Following the initiation of the probe, USTR will seek consultations with the governments of the economies under investigation.

A public comment docket regarding the investigations will open on March 17, 2026. Interested parties can submit written comments and requests to appear at a hearing by April 15, 2026.

According to USTR, a public hearing related to the investigations will begin on May 5, 2026.

In April last year, Trump had imposed tariffs ranging from 10–50% on products from multiple countries. The Supreme Court later ruled that the President had overstepped his authority by imposing these tariffs using national emergency powers, stating that such powers rest with Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that extraordinary powers like tariff imposition require clear congressional authorization. Despite the ruling, Trump reimposed a 10% global tariff and threatened to raise it to 15%.

Bangladesh and several other countries already have trade agreements with the US, which allow duty-free exports of certain garments. However, the Supreme Court ruling has created uncertainty about the future of these agreements. White House officials have assured that trade agreements will remain effective and obligations will be honored even if tariff rates change.

Through this investigation, the Trump administration is signaling its ability to more aggressively enforce tariffs on trading partners. Meanwhile, a high-level US-China meeting is scheduled later this week in Paris, potentially laying the groundwork for further discussions with Beijing.