The United States has initiated fresh investigations into what it regards as unfair trade practices by several countries, while simultaneously announcing plans to release a large portion of its strategic petroleum reserves in response to rising global oil prices.
The move comes as President Donald Trump seeks alternatives following a Supreme Court ruling that curtailed his earlier global tariff measures.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters that two major probes were being launched.
He said that probe would focused on excess industrial capacity, targeting countries including the European Union, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Mexico.
The probe aims to identify economies that appear to produce goods beyond domestic demand, which the US views as distorting global markets.
The second investigation, to be launched imminently, would l scrutinize imports from roughly 60 countries for products made with forced labor.
Greer emphasised that the inquiry is not about domestic conditions in those countries, but rather whether their laws prevent such goods from entering global markets.
These measures are part of Trump’s broader trade agenda, which he says remains focused on protecting American jobs and ensuring fair competition.
The investigations are expected to be concluded quickly, ideally before temporary duties expire.
They are being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the same authority used for tariffs during Trump’s first presidency.
In a related announcement, the U.S. Department of Energy said it would release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, starting next week, to help stabilise oil markets disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The release is planned over approximately 120 days and reflects concerns over Iran’s influence on global energy security.
The new trade investigations and oil release highlight the U.S. administration’s dual strategy of addressing both economic competition and energy stability amidst ongoing international tensions.
