The United States has initiated a series of investigations under Section 301 of its trade law targeting sixteen trading partners, including Thailand, in a sweeping review of foreign policies that Washington says may disadvantage American companies and workers.

The investigations were announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative and are expected to examine a range of practices that could be deemed discriminatory or harmful to U.S. commerce.

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the U.S. government to investigate foreign trade policies and take action, including tariffs or other measures, if it determines that a country’s practices unfairly restrict American trade.

Officials indicated that the probes form part of a broader strategy by the administration of President Donald Trump to ensure fair and reciprocal trading conditions for U.S. exporters and investors.

The investigations could address issues such as industrial policies, market access restrictions, technology regulations and pricing policies that may affect American businesses operating overseas.

Thailand is among the economies included in the review, reflecting the wide scope of the investigation across major U.S. trading partners.

While the launch of a Section 301 probe does not automatically lead to sanctions, the process allows U.S. authorities to gather evidence, hold consultations and negotiate changes to disputed policies.

Under U.S. trade law, once an investigation begins the United States Trade Representative must consult with the government concerned and evaluate whether the policies under scrutiny violate trade agreements or impose unjustifiable burdens on American commerce.

If the probe concludes that harmful practices exist and negotiations fail to resolve the issue, the United States may impose retaliatory measures such as tariffs or other trade restrictions.

The use of Section 301 investigations has become one of Washington’s most powerful tools in international trade enforcement.

Previous actions under the provision have led to significant tariff measures and negotiations with major economies to address market access concerns and intellectual property protections.

The latest investigations come at a time of heightened scrutiny of global trade practices, as policymakers in Washington seek to strengthen protections for American industries and ensure that trading partners operate on what officials describe as a level playing field.

Governments named in the investigation, including Thailand, are expected to engage with U.S. authorities during the review process to address concerns and potentially avoid punitive measures if mutually acceptable solutions can be reached.