Section 301 Investigation into Chinese Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Practices

On March 22, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum directing the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate China's laws, policies, practices, and actions related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation resulted in findings of unfair Chinese practices and led to the implementation of tariffs on Chinese goods beginning July 2018. American consumers and businesses faced increased costs on thousands of imported products, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.