USTR Initiates Vietnam Section 301 Investigation

On Friday, the Trump administration announced a trade investigation over two issues related to Vietnam. At the direction of President Donald Trump, the U.S. Trade Representative’s will investigate Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to the import and use of timber that is illegally harvested or traded. USTR will also investigate Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices that may contribute to the undervaluation of its currency and the resultant harm caused to U.S. commerce.

As part of its investigation on currency undervaluation, USTR will consult with the Department of the Treasury as to issues of currency valuation and exchange rate policy. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stated, “Using illegal timber in wood products exported to the U.S. market harms the environment and is unfair to U.S. workers and businesses who follow the rules by using legally harvested timber.”

USTR will issue two separate Federal Register notices this week that will provide details of the investigation.

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