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Even if the current forced labour tariffs are challenged, Section 301 is likely to remain central to the Trump administration\u2019s tariff strategy, because its flexibility allows it to be adapted to pursue very different trade grievances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Already, 16 US trade partners are currently under investigation in a separate Section 301 case that alleges structural excess capacity.\u00a0 For some of these economies, the US cited their large trade surpluses as de facto evidence of overproduction.<\/span><\/p>\n Even those with overall trade deficits with the US were targeted: For example, Singapore was investigated <\/span>on the grounds of excess capacity<\/span> in semiconductors. According to Singapore\u2019s written submission to the probe, the US exported US$3.8 billion more in semiconductors than it imported from Singapore. Yet Singapore could still be hit with higher tariffs in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n Section 301 tariffs are not the only trade actions being considered by the White House. The US continues to reach for a wider range of trade instruments than used by past administrations.<\/span><\/p>\n This includes Section 338, a never-before-used statute from 1930, which allows the US to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent for discriminating against US commerce.\u00a0Last week, Mr Trump applied the rule at the maximum rate to imports from Canada, to take effect next month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n