The United States has expanded its trade investigations to dozens of countries, including Canada, as the Trump administration moves to reinforce its tariff policies. According to The Canadian Press, the Office of the United States Trade Representative confirmed that the investigations now target 60 countries as Washington reviews foreign trade practices it believes could harm American commerce.
The investigations are being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law that allows the U.S. government to examine whether foreign governments are using policies or practices that unfairly restrict trade with the United States. Earlier in the week, the U.S. administration had announced investigations into the European Union and several other jurisdictions before expanding the scope to include many additional countries.
According to The Canadian Press, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office said the review will examine whether certain trade policies are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they place restrictions on American businesses and exports. The move signals that Washington may consider additional tariffs or other economic measures depending on the results of the investigations.
The decision comes after a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that struck down one of President Donald Trump’s key tariff tools. The administration had previously relied on that mechanism to implement the so called Liberation Day tariffs as well as fentanyl related duties on imports from Canada, Mexico and China.
Following the court ruling, Trump turned to another legal option within the Trade Act of 1974. Using Section 122, the administration introduced a temporary global tariff of 10 percent on imports. However, under U.S. law that measure can remain in place for only 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.
According to The Canadian Press, the expanded investigations appear to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to maintain leverage in trade disputes and support its broader protectionist strategy. The inclusion of Canada among the countries under review highlights the continued tension surrounding North American trade despite long standing economic integration between the two neighbours.
