US–China Trade Daily Highlights | 2026-03-17

1) Executive Summary

Four China-related trade policy developments were reported today. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced two actions—one evaluating the effectiveness of safeguard measures on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) products and another finding a Section 337 violation involving several China-based firms. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiated two distinct Section 301 investigations: one addressing structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors, including China, and another examining the failure of certain economies, including China, to enforce prohibitions on imports made with forced labor. The primary policy tools observed include safeguard evaluation, intellectual property enforcement, and Section 301 investigations.

2) Updates by Authority

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION (U.S. ITC)

Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (CSPV) Products — Evaluation of Import Relief (Safeguard Evaluation)

The ITC instituted Investigation No. TA-201-075 under Section 204(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 to evaluate the effectiveness of a terminated safeguard relief on imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and modules. The safeguard measure, originally imposed under Section 203, ended on February 6, 2026. The evaluation will assess whether the relief facilitated a positive adjustment by the domestic industry to import competition. A public hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2026.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: OTHER
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • Investigation No.: TA-201-075 (Evaluation)
  • Key Dates: Hearing—June 12, 2026; Prehearing briefs—June 5, 2026; Posthearing briefs—June 22, 2026
  • China Indicator: Not specified in the notice
  • Link: CSPV Products – Evaluation of Import Relief

Urine Splash Guards — Section 337 Violation (Final Determination and Remedies)

The ITC found a violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the investigation concerning certain urine splash guards and components thereof. The Commission determined that five China-based companies infringed U.S. Patents 7,870,619 and 11,812,901 owned by the complainant, Kids By Parents, Inc. The Commission issued a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders against non-responding Chinese entities. The investigation (No. 337-TA-1430) is now terminated.

  • Authority: U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Policy Type: ITC_337
  • Event Type: TRADE_REMEDY
  • China Indicator: Explicit
  • Investigation No.: 337-TA-1430
  • Final Determination: Violation found; remedies issued March 12, 2026
  • Remedies: General Exclusion Order (GEO) and Cease & Desist Orders (CDOs)
  • Link: Certain Urine Splash Guards – Section 337 Violation

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE (USTR)

Structural Excess Capacity — Section 301 Investigations (Initiation and Public Hearings)

The USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into acts, policies, and practices of multiple economies— including China—relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. The investigations address potential market distortions caused by production exceeding market demand, leading to large or persistent trade surpluses. Key sectors cited include steel, autos, batteries, machinery, and semiconductors. Public hearings are set for May 5–8, 2026, and written comments are due by April 15, 2026.

  • Authority: Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
  • Policy Type: OTHER
  • Event Type: POLICY_NOTICE
  • China Indicator: Explicit
  • Docket Nos.: USTR-2026-0067 and USTR-2026-0068
  • Key Dates: Comments due April 15, 2026; Hearings begin May 5, 2026
  • Link: Section 301 Investigations – Structural Excess Capacity

Forced Labor Import Prohibitions — Section 301 Investigations (Initiation and Public Hearings)

USTR also launched Section 301 investigations concerning the failure of certain economies, including China, to impose and enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations address the persistent global use of forced labor and its effects on U.S. commerce. Written comments are requested by April 15, 2026, and public hearings are scheduled beginning April 28, 2026. The investigations cover the economies listed in Annex A of the notice.

3) Key Takeaways (Factual)

  • The ITC opened a post-safeguard evaluation on solar cell and module import relief under Section 204(d).
  • The ITC issued a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders against several Shenzhen- and Guangzhou-based companies for Section 337 patent violations.
  • The USTR initiated new Section 301 investigations into global manufacturing overcapacity, identifying China among the economies of concern.
  • A parallel Section 301 investigation was initiated into the failure of various economies, including China, to prevent imports of goods made with forced labor.
  • Both USTR investigations invite written public comments by April 15, 2026, with hearings scheduled in late April and early May.

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.