The European Commission rejected U.S. claims that the European Union contributes to global overcapacity after Washington launched Section 301 probes into the bloc, as well as China and other trading partners, Politico reported on March 12. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said Brussels would seek clarification on how the investigations interact with the 2025 EU-U.S. trade framework agreement and would respond firmly and proportionately to any breach.

The investigation follows the U.S. Supreme Court's February decision to strike down much of President Donald Trump's earlier tariff regime, prompting the White House to impose temporary 10% duties while pursuing new legal pathways for higher tariffs. The issue has also complicated EU ratification of the 2025 transatlantic trade framework, with the European Parliament freezing the process after the Supreme Court ruling, even as U.S. officials have repeatedly assured Brussels they intend to preserve its 15% tariff ceiling. European Parliament lead negotiators will meet on March 17 to decide whether to restart ratification of the U.S. trade deal, ahead of a possible trade committee vote on March 19 and plenary vote on March 26 that would advance Parliament's position but not complete the legislative process, which would still require agreement with EU member states.