US–China Trade Daily Highlights | 2026-03-30

1) Executive Summary

Today’s report covers five Section 337 (ITC_337) proceedings published by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The events include new investigations involving solar cells, semiconductor memory chips, and in-vehicle infotainment systems, as well as determinations on dental burs and electrolyte beverages. The cases collectively involve requests for general and limited exclusion orders, cease and desist orders, and address claims of patent infringement, trademark infringement, and trade secret misappropriation.

2) Updates by Authority

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION (ITC — U.S. International Trade Commission)

TOPCon Solar Cells — ITC_337 (Institution of Investigation)

The ITC instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1494 following a complaint filed by First Solar, Inc. on February 24, 2026, alleging violations of Section 337 concerning importation and sale of certain TOPCon solar cells, modules, panels, and related products. The alleged infringement involves U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074. Respondents include multiple entities from China and other countries, including CSI Solar Co., Ltd., JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Runergy New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., and Trina Solar Co., Ltd. The complainant seeks a general or limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: Explicit (multiple Chinese respondents)
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1494
  • Key Dates: Complaint filed February 24, 2026; investigation instituted March 25, 2026
  • Source: Link

NAND and DRAM Memory Chips — ITC_337 (Institution of Investigation)

On March 25, 2026, the ITC instituted Investigation No. 337‑TA‑1492 based on a complaint by MonolithIC 3D Inc. of Texas. The case alleges violations of Section 337 regarding importation and sale of NAND and DRAM memory chips that allegedly infringe several U.S. patents. The complainant seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: None specified in notice
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1492
  • Key Dates: Complaint filed February 17, 2026; investigation instituted March 25, 2026
  • Source: Link

In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems — ITC_337 (Institution of Investigation)

The ITC initiated Investigation No. 337‑TA‑1493 on March 25, 2026, following a complaint from Zync Inc. of San Francisco. The complaint alleges violations of Section 337 due to misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference concerning in‑vehicle infotainment systems used by BMW AG and BMW of North America. The complainant seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: None
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1493
  • Key Dates: Complaint filed February 24, 2026; supplement filed March 3, 2026; investigation instituted March 25, 2026
  • Source: Link

Electrolyte Containing Beverages — ITC_337 (Final Determination)

The ITC announced a final determination in Investigation No. 337‑TA‑1435, finding a violation of Section 337 involving trademark infringement of several registered U.S. trademarks related to electrolyte beverages and labeling. The Commission affirmed an initial determination granting a summary finding of violation and issued a general exclusion order (GEO). The investigation, which included respondents located in Mexico, is now terminated.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: None
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1435
  • Key Dates: Investigation vote March 26, 2026; termination following issuance of GEO
  • Source: Link

Dental Burs and Kits — ITC_337 (Commission Determination Not to Review ID)

The ITC decided not to review an initial determination (Order No. 6) issued by the Administrative Law Judge in Investigation No. 337‑TA‑1479, which amended the complaint and notice of investigation to add Research Industries of Pakistan as a respondent. The case concerns alleged violations of Section 337 involving infringement of U.S. patents and trademarks related to dental burs and kits.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: None
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1479
  • Key Dates: Complaint amendment approved March 3, 2026; decision not reviewed March 25, 2026
  • Source: Link

3) Key Takeaways (Factual)

  • The ITC published five Section 337‑related decisions and notices on March 30, 2026.
  • Two new investigations were instituted—one targeting Chinese and global solar cell makers (First Solar case) and another involving semiconductor memory chips (MonolithIC 3D case).
  • A final determination in the electrolyte beverages case resulted in a general exclusion order based on trademark infringement findings.
  • The infotainment systems complaint filed by Zync Inc. prompted a fresh investigation encompassing trade secret misappropriation claims.
  • The dental burs proceeding shows an administrative amendment to include a new respondent without altering the substantive scope of the case.

4) Full Source Links (Index)

5) Legal Disclaimer

This article includes content collected and summarized from publicly available U.S. government materials, including the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content presented is not an official government publication and does not represent the views of any U.S. government authority.

This article is provided for informational and research purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, compliance advice, or recommendations for any specific entity or transaction. Readers should refer to the original official documents and consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on this information.