US launches new trade offensive: Jamieson Greer initiates investigations against 60 countries

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), under the leadership of Jamieson Greer, has launched extensive investigations under Section 301, targeting unfair trade practices on a global scale. The administration of President Donald Trump has initiated two separate proceedings: one concerning forced labor, covering approximately 60 economies, and another focusing on overcapacity in 16 key trading partners. These actions aim to rebuild tariff pressure and protect the American market from goods produced under conditions that violate labor standards or subsidized by foreign governments. According to Reuters, the new investigations are part of a strategy to force partners to renegotiate terms of trade. Section 301 was a key tool during Donald Trump's first term (2017–2021), when it was used to impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods. The current actions from March 2026 expand this mechanism to a significantly larger number of countries, which is interpreted as a return to the America First policy in international trade. Jamieson Greer, who assumed the role of USTR in February 2025, previously served in Trump's first administration, ensuring continuity of this doctrine.

The international reaction to the US trade offensive was immediate, with India deciding to suspend negotiations on a new trade agreement with the US. Delhi's decision stems directly from India being included in the new investigations, which the local authorities view as a barrier to building stable economic relations. Meanwhile, the European Union has called on Washington to respect existing agreements and change its approach towards European partners. Brussels argues that the EU should be seen as an ally in the fight against global overcapacity, not as its source subject to restrictions. „EU urges US to view it as ally in tackling overcapacity, not source of problem” — EU representative via Reuters

Amidst the global disputes, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Farnesina, reported a success in relations with Washington concerning the food sector. The US administration decided to lower anti-dumping duties for Italian pasta producers, representing a rare example of easing barriers in the current course of US trade policy. The Italian diplomatic ministry emphasized that this is the result of effective negotiations and proof of the high quality of exported products, which do not threaten American competition in an unfair manner. 60 (countries) — number of economies covered by the forced labor investigation US Trade Offensive (March 2026): March 12 — USTR Initiative; March 12 — EU Appeal; March 13 — India's Reaction; March 13 — Italy's Success