U.S. launches 301 probes into 60 partners, Korea included, over labor and overproduction

The U.S. government has announced a new Section 301 investigation into 60 trading partners over forced labor risks in their supply chains, with South Korea among them. The inquiry will run alongside a separate probe into unfair trade practices linked to overproduction for 16 countries, also including South Korea.

Officials say the Section 301 investigations will be completed by the end of July, the same deadline when the current 10% temporary tariffs are set to expire. Depending on the findings, the United States plans to impose additional duties on the involved countries.

Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act gives the president and the USTR authority to respond to alleged unfair trade practices with tariffs and other measures. The new investigations mark another step in Washington’s use of tariff tools to address what it describes as violations of fair trade rules and labor standards.

South Korea’s inclusion in both groups underscores its role as a key U.S. trading partner. The country is among the 60 partners facing the forced-labor inquiry and also among the 16 subject to the overproduction assessment, a position that could influence future trade and sourcing decisions.

For the United States, the potential tariffs and the broader assessments could affect prices and supply chains. Higher duties could raise costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers, and may prompt shifts in how companies source components and materials from these partners.

The moves reflect a broader U.S. policy focus on labor rights in global manufacturing and on countering overcapacity as a trade concern. The outcomes could shape future trade relations with allies and influence market expectations around imports from the affected countries.

The announcements do not specify which products would be targeted. Officials say the investigations are proceeding under the existing 301 framework, with decisions on tariffs to follow the findings and subsequent policy steps.