The US Trade Representative Office (USTR) announced on Friday, February 20th, that it will launch multiple new “301 clause” investigations against most major trading partners, ranging from drug pricing to digital service taxes. At the same time, official data shows that the US goods trade deficit has significantly decreased by 17% after the implementation of existing tariff policies in the second quarter of 2025.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated in a declaration that although the Supreme Court overturned the imposition of “equivalent tariffs” and “fentanyl tariffs” ranging from 10% to 50% under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on Friday, this ruling does not affect tariffs levied under other legal authorities, such as those under the 1974 Trade Act Sections 301, 232, and 122. Greer mentioned that these measures cover 30% of current US import tariffs.
Greer reiterated in the statement that the Trump administration is confident that all trade agreements reached through negotiations will remain effective. Over the past few months, the US has been continuously warning foreign partners and the business community that if IEEPA authorization is limited, “alternative tools” will be used to address trade issues.
Greer stated, “Despite ongoing litigation, our partners have been actively engaging in and participating in sincere negotiations. We are confident that all trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will remain effective.”
Currently, the US has reached framework agreements with 12 countries and signed formal agreements with 7 other countries. To ensure the continuity of trade policy, the Trump administration has announced the imposition of a temporary tariff of 10% on imported goods for 150 days under Section 122.
Meanwhile, USTR is initiating a new round of investigations. Greer stated that the US will expedite the investigation process to address unfair, unreasonable, and discriminatory trade practices. Areas of focus for the investigation include industrial overcapacity, forced labor, drug pricing, marine pollution, rice, seafood, and discrimination against US technology companies and digital products.
He emphasized, “If the investigation confirms the existence of unfair trade practices and the need for responsive action, tariffs are one of the tools available.”
USTR also mentioned that it will continue to push existing investigations, including those against China and Brazil, to achieve the long-term goal of rebalancing the global trade system.
In the statement, Greer once again emphasized that the tariff measures of the Trump administration are essential tools for addressing the fentanyl crisis, illegal immigration, and trade deficits.
“Fentanyl is a scourge that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, especially young Americans. President Trump has used IEEPA to compel China, Mexico, and Canada to prevent fentanyl and its precursors from flowing into the US. Mexico has also taken measures to enhance border security due to President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs,” Greer said.
“President Trump has also effectively addressed the 40% surge in trade deficits during the Biden administration, further driving the relocation of US manufacturing and agricultural production overseas,” he stated.
USTR noted that the US goods trade deficit has decreased by 17% from April 1st to December 31st, 2025.
“Regardless of the court’s ruling today, these challenges, and the tremendous progress we have made, still persist,” Greer concluded.