The United States has initiated a broad trade investigation targeting India and 15 other economies over alleged excess industrial capacity in key manufacturing sectors, a move that could eventually lead to tariffs or other trade measures.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the probe on Wednesday (local time). It will examine whether policies in the listed economies unfairly boost production and exports while restricting US commerce.
Speaking during a press call, Greer said the administration believes some trading partners have developed industrial capacity beyond what market demand justifies.
"Our view is that key trading partners have developed production capacity that is really untethered from the market incentives of domestic and global demand," he said.
The investigation will be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows Washington to respond to foreign government practices considered unreasonable or discriminatory if they burden or restrict US commerce.
Countries and economic blocs under scrutiny include China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.
Greer said the administration expects the probe to examine a wide range of practices that may contribute to industrial overcapacity.
"These countries may exhibit, again, signs of excess capacity through a variety of means, their own current account surpluses, their bilateral trade surplus with the United States, underutilised or unused capacity, or overproduction in these economies," he said.
Officials said governments may be encouraging production and exports through policy interventions that distort market signals.
"This can include, for example, promoting production and exports untethered from economic drivers of supply, demand, and investment, including through subsidies," Greer said.
US officials also cited factors such as state involvement in industries, financial support measures, and market barriers that may push production beyond domestic demand.
The Office of the US Trade Representative said the process will include consultations, public comments and hearings before it makes any decision.
It will accept written submissions and requests to testify after the public docket opens on March 17. April 15 is the deadline for consideration.
Public hearings before the inter-agency Section 301 Committee will likely begin on May 5 in Washington.
Greer said the administration will review written submissions, testimony and consultations with governments before deciding whether any policies are actionable under US trade law.
"We are going to initiate this investigation… to understand better and address these problems and to also get a very good handle on the drivers of these issues, which may vary from country to country," he said.
US officials say structural excess capacity in manufacturing can lead to persistent trade surpluses and global production exceeding demand, potentially weakening industrial sectors in other economies and discouraging domestic investment.
The probe will examine sectors including automobiles, steel, electronics, chemicals, machinery and solar modules.