The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced today the initiation of a Section 301 investigation into China’s implementation of the Economic and Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China, known as the Phase One Agreement. The investigation will assess whether China has fully met its commitments, the impact of any non-compliance on U.S. commerce, and potential responses.
“President Trump made history in his first term when he stood up for the American worker and brokered the Phase One Agreement,” said USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer. “This investigation underscores the administration’s resolve to hold China accountable, protect American farmers, ranchers, workers, and innovators, and ensure a reciprocal trade relationship.”
The Phase One Agreement, signed in December 2019, aimed to address issues including intellectual property, technology transfer, agriculture, and financial services, while committing China to increased purchases of U.S. goods and services. Despite ongoing engagement, China has reportedly fallen short on non-tariff barriers, market access, and purchase commitments.
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council issued a statement supporting the investigation, noting, “China, while a complex market, has been a top five trading partner with the United States for decades, and when the relationship works, it’s a win-win for all involved. The Council supports the USTR’s move to assess China’s compliance with the Phase 1 agreement because more balanced trade will ultimately benefit U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, and our country as a whole.”
Public comments on the investigation are invited through December 1, 2025, with a hearing scheduled for December 16. The investigation reflects ongoing efforts to enforce trade commitments critical to sustaining American agriculture and industry amid complex global trade dynamics.
