WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has expanded its trade investigations to include 60 countries, including Canada, as it seeks to solidify its tariff policies following a recent Supreme Court ruling that limited the president’s authority to impose tariffs unilaterally. The move, announced Friday by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, signals a renewed push to leverage trade tools to address perceived unfair practices.
Greer indicated the administration intends to act swiftly, stating in a CNBC interview that they are “trying to act in a matter of months.” The expansion utilizes Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing investigations into whether foreign countries employ “unreasonable or discriminatory” policies that hinder American commerce. This follows the Supreme Court’s invalidation last month of Trump’s preferred tariff mechanism – duties imposed under the “Section 232” provisions on steel, aluminum, and other goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.
In response to the court’s decision, President Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, enacting a global 10% tax. Though, this levy is limited to 150 days without Congressional approval, and any resulting tariffs cannot exceed 15%. The administration is now pursuing longer-term tariff measures through Section 301 investigations, a process that requires public consultation, and reporting.
Canada is already subject to separate tariffs imposed by Trump under Section 232 on specific sectors, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber. The new investigations could broaden the scope of trade disputes. Greer has suggested that Canada maintains trade barriers that complicate negotiations, specifically citing provincial restrictions on the sale of American alcohol.
The expanded investigations coincide with preparations for a mandatory review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Trump has publicly questioned his commitment to the trade pact, negotiated during his first term, suggesting it may have already served its purpose. The U.S. Has formally initiated negotiations with Mexico regarding the CUSMA review, and is also conducting a Section 301 investigation into Mexican trade practices. No similar announcement has been made regarding Canada.
Last week, Greer met with Canada’s new trade negotiating team in Washington, including Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette and newly appointed Ambassador to the U.S., Mark Wiseman, alongside Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. LeBlanc described the meeting as “constructive and substantive,” according to a statement posted on social media, and indicated further discussions are planned. The meeting followed the appointment of Charette and Wiseman by Prime Minister Mark Carney last month, signaling a potential effort to reset the relationship after a period of strained negotiations.
The administration’s move comes after a period of heightened tension, including a freeze in negotiations with Canada last year triggered by an Ontario-sponsored advertisement quoting former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
