The Evolving Regulatory Landscape of the Trump Administration The Latest on the USTR Investigation, Reciprocal Tariffs and the Executive Order to Restore U.S. Maritime Dominance Articles Lauren Wilgus Published: April 11, 2025 Contact author Download article pdf Introduction In the first 100 days of his second presidency, President Trump and his administration have taken several significant steps focused on promotion of the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industry, including (1) the implementation of a USTR Proposal which includes new port fees on Chinese-operated and Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports; (2) “reciprocal” tariffs on almost all imports into the United States; and (3) an April 9, 2025 Executive Order aimed at revitalizing America’s shipbuilding industry, strengthening its maritime workforce, and expanding the United States’ global shipping presence.  The Section 301 Proposed Action Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (“Section 301”) authorizes the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) to investigate foreign trade practices and impose measures on foreign countries found to violate U.S. trade agreements or engage in acts that are “unjustifiable,” “unreasonable,” or “discriminatory” in ways that burden U.S. commerce.  On March 12, 2024, five major U.S. labor unions filed a Section 301 petition regarding alleged acts, policies, and practices of China to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sector. The petition was accepted, and on April 17, 2024, USTR initiated an investigation. Following its investigation, on January 16, 2025, in the last days of the Biden Administration, USTR published its report, titled “ Report on China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance ” and determined that China’s practices were “actionable” (the “Report”). On February 21, 2025, the USTR announced its proposed actions in connection with the Report (the “Proposed Action”). The Proposed Action includes the fo