Expertise A&M and Masttro
February 20, 2026

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Authority

Purpose

Key Features

Example Applications

Section 232
(Trade Expansion Act of 1962)		National security concerns (e.g., domestic manufacturing capacity).
  • Requires Department of Commerce investigation
  • No tariff cap
  • No duration limit
Applied to autos; over 200 additional investigations launched in 2025 (e.g., semiconductors and pharmaceuticals).
Section 301
(Trade Act of 1974)		Responding to discriminatory or unreasonable foreign trade practices.
  • Requires U.S. Trade Representative investigation
  • No tariff cap
  • 4-year term; extendable indefinitely
Primary tool for tariffs on imports from China.
Section 201
(Trade Act of 1974)		Temporary safeguard tariffs to protect U.S. industries against import surges.
  • Requires International Trade Commission investigation
  • Industry rather than country focus
  • Capped at 50% above existing rates
  • Must be phased down
Applied to solar panels and washing machines.
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