On Wednesday, March 11, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the launch of several investigations regarding the acts, policies, and practices of various economies under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 pertaining to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. An investigation under Section 301 examines whether the acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Country economies subject to these investigations at this time are: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India. As part of the investigation process, interested stakeholders can submit public comments regarding the investigation between March 17 and April 16, 2026. Additionally, USTR intends to hold a hearing in relation to these 301 investigations starting March 5, 2026. You can find more information and the official press release here, a copy of the Federal Register Notice here, and the docket for public comments regarding the investigation here.

Senate Ag Holds Hearing Promoting Domestic Production of U.S.-Grown Products

On Tuesday, March 10, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing titled “Increasing Domestic Production of U.S.-Grown Agricultural Products.” Featuring testimony from various leaders of agricultural trade associations. Republicans and Democrats agreed on the need to support American farmers facing financial stress and rising input costs. Republicans focused on expanding domestic and international markets, reducing regulatory burdens, and supporting biofuels and the  Buy American Cotton Act  to boost profitability. Democrats emphasized strengthening nutrition and specialty crop programs, making E15 fuel permanent and year-round, addressing ag labor shortages, and ensuring equitable aid distribution. Other topics discussed included the impact of tariffs, global conflicts, farm labor reform, antitrust enforcement, and the importance of research and nutrition policy in supporting the agricultural sector’s long-term resilience. You can find a list of witnesses and their submitted testimonies as well as a recording of the full hearing, here.