Trump administration expands trade investigations to more countries, including Canada

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has expanded it’s trade investigations to 60 countries, including Canada, in an effort to solidify the president’s tariff policies.

The United States Trade Representative announced earlier this week that it was launching investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on the European Union and a handful of other countries.

A Wednesday evening news release from the department expanded the list of countries targeted by the investigations.

It says the department will look at whether the countries have policies or practices that “are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.”

The investigations come after the U.S. Supreme Court last month struck down President Donald Trump’s favourite tariff tool that he used for his “Liberation Day” tariffs and fentanyl-related duties on Canada, Mexico and China.

Trump responded to the top court’s ruling by using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to implement a worldwide 10 per cent levy — but that can only stay in place for 150 days without Congressional approval.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 13, 2026.