Trump administration targets 16 trade partners: EU and China in focus

The administration of President Donald Trump has launched trade investigations against 16 key foreign partners, including the European Union and China, based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The American probes focus on allegations of unfair practices and excess production capacity, which Washington claims harm domestic producers. The list of countries subject to the proceedings, besides the EU and China, also includes Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The current United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer will oversee the process, which could result in the imposition of new retaliatory tariffs. Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 gives the president broad powers to unilaterally impose trade sanctions on countries whose actions are deemed to violate international agreements or discriminate against American business. This tool was heavily used during Donald Trump's first term, particularly regarding imports from China, leading to a multi-year tariff war between the powers. The current offensive expands this mechanism to a record number of US allies and trade partners simultaneously.

The European Union firmly rejects accusations of overproduction and appeals to Washington to change its rhetoric. Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee (INTA), emphasized that the United States must respect the provisions of the so-called Turnberry Agreement, which was negotiated in Scotland in 2025. Brussels maintains that it should be seen as an ally in solving global oversupply problems, not as their source. Lange warned that any departure from the substance of last year's agreement would be unacceptable to the community. „We need clarity. U.S. must honour EU-US deal in tariff investigations” — Bernd Lange via Reuters

Washington's actions are also provoking reactions in Asia and the Caribbean, where China, in response to trade pressure, is strengthening cooperation with Cuba. Beijing, the main target of American investigations concerning overcapacity, is seeking new ways to bypass restrictions and strengthen its influence in a region directly neighboring the USA. Experts point out that simultaneously targeting 16 trade partners is an attempt by the Trump administration to rebuild tariff pressure on an unprecedented scale. 16 (countries and organizations) — number of trade partners covered by new US investigations Key partners subject to Section 301 investigation: 1. Chiny (Main target of overproduction allegations); 2. Unia Europejska (Calls for adherence to the Turnberry Agreement); 3. Meksyk (Key partner under USMCA); 4. Indie (Growing trade partner in Asia)