US Investigates Manufacturing Overcapacity In 15 Economies, Including Malaysia, EU

By Nor Baizura Basri

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) has initiated investigations into the acts, policies, and practices of 15 economies, including Malaysia and the European Union (EU), under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.

In a statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, the US Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Jamieson Greer, said the investigations will determine whether those acts, policies, and practices are unreasonable or discriminatory, and burden or restrict US commerce.

"The economies subject to these investigations are China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India," he said.

He said the reindustrialisation efforts under the President Donald Trump administration continue to face significant challenges.

Upon initiation of an investigation, the USTR must seek consultations with the economies whose acts, policies, or practices are under investigation.

Greer has requested consultations with the governments of the following economies -- China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.

A docket for comments regarding the investigations will open on March 17, 2026.

-- BERNAMA