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Episode 5: Section 301 Investigations

Date Published: November 5, 2026 |
Anthony and Joe delve into the Section 301 investigations spurred as a result of Executive Order 14411, affecting 60 trade partners with the U.S.

We’ll dive into what prompted these investigations, the industries that will be affected the most, and more.
Joe: So our topic for our next set is going to be Section 301 investigations, which... have, as of the time of this recording, are already impacting imports from 60 trade partners that were not under Section 301 orders previous to the invocation of that order. Take a moment, if you would. What prompted these new Section 301 investigations?

Anthony: So, the new ones? So Section 301 goes back to 2016, 2017-'18. So... maybe not '17... definitely '18-'19. You know... so, you got to remember, any one of these tariffs are for negotiations. So, realistically, the new ones that are coming out right now or the ones that have been implemented on Brazil, it's basically... realistically, it's only because of retaliation. That's the bottom line. It's retaliation. That's the reason why. So, yeah, Brazil did something, and... we're retaliating. That's why they're there. Now, Section 301 is not... it cannot replace... IEEPA or Section 122. I think something else may be in the works to replace that, but we'll see. I have my suspicions on that, as well.

Joe: We'll talk about that afterward. There are, just a recap... again, get us a little more teaser content here. Countries subject to 301 tariffs: over 60. Did you notice any ones... I think the notable ones are probably the ones that signed trade agreements when IEEPA was not being contested. Unfortunately for them.

Anthony: Well, yeah, it definitely... hits them a little bit harder. And, you know, right now, those... those countries that are hit right now, you know, I have a feeling, again, it's just boiling down to a negotiation tactic. And, eventually, once they agree to whatever we want, those tariffs will go away.

Joe: Is the mechanism for withdrawal of a 301 order something that can happen at the drop of a dime? Or does it require a congressional review?

Anthony: No, drop of a dime.

Joe: Oh, okay. Awesome.

Anthony: Everything is supposed to require congressional review, but we know how that works.

Joe: And, to recap about this one, let's talk about commodities that are hit most by the Section 301 investigations, because that is probably going to be something our audience will want to hear about. Just off the top of your head, can you think of a couple of industries, commodities, that these investigations have... are probably going to hit the hardest?

Anthony: I mean, it's... it's a lot of commodities. I mean, the list is tremendous. You know, it's... pharma... I'm just... I can't go to commodities, but I'll give you industry. Pharma, retail, auto... and when I say "auto," that includes a lot of different moving parts to auto. Right?

Joe: If I may... I'm going to go ahead and take the lead for a second and use my 15 years as a parts pro. So this is going to affect not just the manufacturers of the vehicles themselves, but also the mechanics who work on those vehicles, the parts pros who sell the parts to those mechanics, the engineers, everything down the line. If it is affected by a material component somewhere, every employment that derives from that in the automotive food chain is going to be affected.

Anthony: Absolutely, 100%. And, you know, it goes beyond just the auto industry. You know, besides pharma, retail, auto industry, it affects aerospace. That's another big one. And... you know, pharmaceutical, part of the healthcare. But, you know, when I say "healthcare," I mean medical devices and anything related to medical equipment. So, yeah, it's a big... there are exemptions, the exemptions are way smaller than the actual... commodities that are listed on there.

Joe: Gotcha. Alright, Anthony. That, I think, is going to wrap this up for the day, but is there anything else on the June 3rd executive order you'd like to talk about before we finish up?

Anthony: No, Joe. I think we covered the majority of it. I just want to make sure, if our listeners are importers, to get ready and be ready for this stuff. We're doing the best we can to have all this vetting process and everything already out in the forefront and open and in place for you. And, once we find out further information on what our responsibilities, what our roles, are and your role is, we'll get that information out there to you. We're always in contact with all of our customers, and we want to be in contact with all the importers out there.

Joe: Absolutely. Thank you for watching "Very Importing People," and tune in again to get more accustomed to customs.

Disclaimer: The information shared on "Very Importing People" is for general, educational, and informational purposes only. Customs regulations and requirements can vary based on the specific circumstances of an import, and may change over time. This podcast is not legal advice, and should not be relied upon as guidance for a specific transaction. Importers remain responsible for exercising reasonable care and complying with applicable laws and regulations. For questions about your specific shipment or importing situation, consult a qualified customs professional or legal counsel.
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Episode 1: Introduction to EO 14411: Strengthening Customs Enforcement
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Episode 1: Introduction to EO 14411: Strengthening Customs Enforcement

How We Help Importers Prepare for Potential Section 301 Tariff Exposure

What We Do

1. Review your imported goods, their countries of origin, and any relevant USTR notices to identify exposure to Section 301 tariffs.

2. Evaluate your HTS classifications, import values, and existing duty obligations to estimate how additional tariffs could affect your importing costs.

3. Identify missing information in product descriptions, origin documentation, or supplier records that can lead to inaccurate duty estimations.

4. Coordinate with you to review sourcing options and any applicable exclusions or exemptions that mitigate tariff exposure.

5. Help prepare entry documentation and apply required Chapter 99 tariff classifications when new Section 301 measures take effect.

Typical timeline: Your review begins quickly once we receive your documents. Investigation outcomes and tariff rates depend on USTR determinations and published government notices.

What you'll need: Product descriptions, HTS codes, countries of origin, supplier information, recent entry summaries, projected import values, and upcoming shipment schedules.

Why choose us: At USA Customs Clearance, our licensed customs brokers have decades of combined experience helping importers interpret tariff requirements, review classifications, and prepare compliant customs entries.

Outcome: A clearer understanding of your potential Section 301 exposure, estimated costs, and a plan to prepare for any final requirements.

Start your Section 301 investigations compliance review today or speak with a customs specialist at (855) 912-0406.

About Very Importing People: A Podcast About Importing, Customs, and Trade

Very Importing People (VIP) is a podcast for businesses navigating U.S. customs, compliance, and international trade. Each episode takes complicated importing topics and turns them into practical conversations with customs professionals, industry experts, and the people working with importers every day.

From tariffs and classification to customs bonds, documentation, regulatory changes, and CBP requirements, VIP helps importers better understand what’s happening—and why it matters.

Presented by USA Customs Clearance and powered by AFC International LLC

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Disclaimer

Very Importing People: A Podcast About Importing, Customs, and Trade is presented by USA Customs Clearance and powered by AFC International. The information provided through this podcast is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or guidance for any specific import transaction.

Customs laws, regulations, duties, tariffs, agency requirements and enforcement practices may change, and their application can depend on the specific facts and circumstances of an import. Information discussed in an episode reflects the information available at the time of recording.

Listening to this podcast does not replace an importer's responsibility to exercise reasonable care or comply with applicable U.S. laws and regulations. Importers should consult with a qualified customs professional, customs broker or legal counsel regarding their specific products, transactions and compliance obligations.

Importers should consult with a qualified customs professional, customs broker or legal counsel regarding their specific products, transactions and compliance obligations.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of USA Customs Clearance or AFC International.

Do not make import or compliance decisions based solely on the information discussed in this episode.

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