U.S. Section 301 investigations: implications for medical technology and transatlantic trade

Posted on 07.04.2026

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has recently initiated two investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, examining trade practices across a range of economies, including the EU, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

The first investigation focuses on structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. Economies falling under this investigation include the EU and Switzerland, among others. Within the EU, Germany and Ireland are identified as economies running significant trade surpluses in specific sectors. USTR has also published a request for public comments.

The second investigation concerns the alleged failure of economies to take action on forced labour. This investigation covers a broad group of 60 economies, including the EU, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. USTR has also published a request for public comments.

Following the launch of both investigations, USTR has invited stakeholder input, with a deadline of 15 April 2026. These consultations aim to gather comments on the issues under review and the potential need for trade measures.

While the medical technology sector is not explicitly identified in either investigation, the potential outcomes may have implications for European manufacturers exporting to the United States. Given the globally integrated nature of medical technology supply chains, any resulting trade measures could affect market access conditions and trade flows.

MedTech Europe encourages all impacted stakeholders to review these Section 301 investigation notices and consider their interest in responding to the public consultation.