Trump admin has begun trade investigations as a way to impose tariffs
By Bart Jansen
Published on March 12, 2026.
The US government has begun investigating alleged unfair trade practices among trading partners around the world, potentially replacing the Supreme Court's previous emergency tariffs. The investigations focus on alleged overproduction of goods in China, Mexico, and Europe. The Supreme Court recently ruled that President Donald Trump was not legally permitted to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The decision leaves a $3 trillion hole in government finances over the next decade from anticipated collections on imports and reduced payments on debt. However, other statutes could allow Trump to implement tariffs, such as the 1974 Trade Act, and the 1962 Trade Expansion Act if the Commerce Department finds trade could harm national security. The public comments about the investigations are due by April 15 and hearings are scheduled for May 5.
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