Trump Administration Prepares New Section 301 Tariffs on 60 Countries Including Taiwan

Transition from Section 122 to Section 301

The looming tariff shift marks a strategic pivot for the Trump administration. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the president’s earlier attempt to levy global reciprocal tariffs in February, the government shifted its legal justification to Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. That measure allowed for a temporary 10% import tax, which is set to expire on July 24, 2026.

With the Section 122 window closing, the administration is moving toward a new framework based on Section 301. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), this transition is supported by a recent investigation into forced labor in imported products. The USTR has indicated that this new round of measures will target 60 economies with tariffs of either 10% or 12.5%.

Jamieson Greer and the Path to New Trade Actions

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer signaled that officials have finalized the necessary plans to implement these tariffs once the current duties lapse later this week. Speaking to CNBC on July 21, 2026, Greer emphasized that while the administration is preparing to move, they are currently navigating the required procedural steps before a formal announcement.

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Greer noted that the Section 301 investigation focuses specifically on the prevalence of forced labor in global supply chains. He pointed out that while U.S. law strictly prohibits the trade of goods involving forced labor, many other nations lack corresponding legislation, or fail to enforce it where it does exist.

Scope of the New Tariff Strategy

The scope of the proposed tariffs is broad, encompassing 60 countries and regions, including Taiwan. This move represents the most significant effort by the Trump administration to re-establish protectionist trade barriers since the Supreme Court blocked its previous global tariff policy.

While the administration has not yet provided the specific list of affected products or a definitive start date for the new levies, the intent to use Section 301 as a primary tool for enforcement is clear. Observers are now looking toward the upcoming expiration date of July 24 as the likely catalyst for the next phase of the administration’s trade policy, as officials continue to brief stakeholders on the pending measures.

Sources: LTN.