The United States has launched trade investigations into 16 nations including the European Union and China as part of a new push to impose tariffs on trading partners.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Wednesday that Washington would examine whether the countries operate discriminatory practices against American manufacturers.
The probe spans a wide range of economies across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India are all included alongside the European Union and China.
Officials said that if investigators determine unfair trade practices exist, the administration could respond with new tariff measures.
The action is being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose duties on foreign imports without requiring approval from Congress.
The provision enables the White House to respond to what it considers unfair trading practices by foreign governments.
However, tariffs imposed under the law can only remain in force while the targeted country continues the allegedly discriminatory behaviour.
Investigations could pave the way for tariffs on the EU and China
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The administration turned to this legal route following a major court ruling last month.
The Supreme Court of the United States struck down the majority of earlier tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, determining that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act could not be used to justify the sweeping reciprocal duties introduced last April.
Mr Greer said the new investigations form part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic industry.
“The United States will no longer sacrifice its industrial base to other countries that may be exporting their problems with excess capacity and production to us.”
The United Kingdom has not been included in the current round of investigations
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Following the court ruling, Mr Trump imposed fresh tariffs of 10 per cent on imports from all countries.
He later indicated that the rate could rise to 15 per cent.
Those duties were introduced under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs to be imposed during trade imbalances.
However, the measure carries a strict limitation as tariffs introduced under the provision cannot remain in place for more than 150 days.
The current round of tariffs imposed under Section 122 is due to expire on July 23.
That deadline means officials are racing to complete the investigations and establish alternative legal grounds for maintaining trade barriers.
The White House is also seeking to preserve revenue streams generated by existing tariffs while maintaining trade agreements negotiated under those conditions.
“Today’s investigations underscore President Trump’s commitment to reshore critical supply chains and create good-paying jobs for American workers across our manufacturing sectors.”
The United Kingdom has not been included in the current round of investigations.
However, analysts expect Britain could face scrutiny in the future as the administration continues its review of global trade practices.
Experts believe the administration will eventually examine every country that was targeted by last year’s reciprocal tariffs.
The EU are in the sights of the US for new levies
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Such a move would allow Washington to maintain similar levels of tariff revenue once temporary measures expire.
The UK’s digital services tax has previously been identified as a potential point of tension between London and Washington.
The levy has been criticised by the United States Government as a measure that disproportionately affects American technology companies.
Mr Trump opened an earlier investigation into the tax under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 during his first presidential term.
British agricultural policies have also been raised by US officials as a potential source of trade disputes.
Officials are now aiming to complete the investigations before the July deadline as the administration seeks to ensure any future trade measures can replace the temporary tariffs currently in force.