Trump Administration to Impose Tariffs on 60 Economies Using Section 301

Administration Prepares New Trade Measures Following Court Defeat

This development follows a February 2026 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the administration’s previous “reciprocal” tariff regime. In a 6-3 decision, the court found that the administration exceeded its authority by utilizing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad, across-the-board levies, as reported by Kiplinger. Following that ruling, the administration implemented temporary 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday.

Deployment of Section 301 Authorities

To maintain its aggressive trade agenda, the administration is pivoting toward the use of Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Trade experts suggest this legal framework is being utilized to create a more resilient foundation for the administration’s global tariff goals. As noted by CNBC, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies in early June, citing alleged forced labor issues as the primary justification.

Trump Administration Targets 60 Nations With New Section 301 Forced-Labor Tariffs

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has indicated that the administration expects further action soon. The transition to Section 301 is viewed by industry analysts as a method to secure the administration’s trade objectives while navigating the boundaries of the U.S. legal system.

Recent Trade Actions and Economic Impact

The upcoming measures occur alongside several other recent trade interventions. On Wednesday, 25% tariffs on most imports from Brazil—also enacted under Section 301—were set to take effect. Additionally, the administration recently signed proclamations to impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, including wine, beer, and cement, citing trade discrimination. These specific levies on Canada fall under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

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

The administration maintains that these policies are essential for revitalizing U.S. industrial heartlands and boosting domestic jobs. However, critics have cautioned that the cumulative effect of these tariffs risks increasing prices for American consumers. During a recent Senate exchange, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended the administration’s record, noting that core inflation had fallen to 2.6% year-on-year.

Context of the Tariff Landscape

The current trade environment remains a complex “patchwork” of active, pending, and invalidated measures. As the administration continues to prioritize tariffs as a core economic tool, it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of these policies. Previous attempts to utilize tariffs to alter the trade and military policies of other nations have yielded mixed results; for instance, while the goods trade deficit with China decreased by 32% in 2025, the administration’s broader efforts have not fundamentally shifted Beijing’s trade or military actions.

Trump Imposes 50 Percent Tariffs on Various Canadian Goods

As the Section 122 tariffs lapse this week, the White House has urged stakeholders to “stay tuned” for further details regarding the new phase of the administration’s trade policy. Legal experts note that businesses affected by the previously invalidated tariffs face a complex path forward, as no broad refund program has been finalized and eligibility for any potential relief remains subject to specific legal and documentation requirements.