US Trade Probe Targets Bangladesh

The United States has launched a new trade investigation against several major trading partners, including Bangladesh, China and India, raising fresh concerns over global trade tensions.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the probe has been initiated under Section 301 to examine alleged unfair trade practices.

If the investigation finds evidence of unfair practices, Washington could impose new tariffs on imports from the countries involved.

The investigation covers a wide range of nations including China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

Several Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia are also included, along with Switzerland and Norway.

Officials said the probe is expected to conclude before July, when temporary tariffs imposed earlier by former President Donald Trump are set to expire.

The move follows a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court that struck down a major part of Trump’s tariff policy.

The court said the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs unilaterally.

According to the ruling, such powers rest with Congress.

Following the decision, Trump criticized the court and announced a new global tariff of 10 percent, warning that it could be increased to 15 percent.

Trade analysts believe the investigation could give the Trump administration additional leverage in negotiations with its trading partners while signaling a tougher stance on international trade.