Core Points - The U.S. has officially restarted the Section 301 investigation, focusing on issues such as technology transfer policies, intellectual property protection, and foreign investment access rules, which were previously highlighted in the 2019-2020 trade discussions [3][5][7] - The investigation is expected to last 90 days, during which the U.S. Trade Representative's office will gather written opinions from businesses and industry associations, potentially leading to tariff reviews [5][12] - The recent statements from U.S. officials indicate a shift towards using strategic resources, particularly rare earths, as a policy tool, reflecting concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities [14][20] Group 1 - The Section 301 investigation was announced on October 24, 2025, marking a return to a process that had been dormant for five years [3][7] - The investigation's focus aligns with previous U.S. concerns, suggesting a retrospective examination rather than a reconfiguration of issues [5][8] - The legal framework for the investigation remains intact, allowing for potential tariff imposition without the need for Congressional approval if violations are found [30][31] Group 2 - U.S. Treasury Secretary's comments on rare earths signal a potential policy shift, emphasizing the systemic risks posed by certain countries controlling rare earth supplies [14][20] - The U.S. mining and manufacturing sectors are responding to these developments, with calls for expedited domestic rare earth projects and maintaining market stability [18][20] - The investigation and related discussions are extending beyond tariffs to include broader policy implications, such as resource transparency and supply chain management [22][24] Group 3 - The investigation's initiation is seen as a strategic move rather than a mere procedural action, with implications for future trade relations and potential tariffs [28][33] - The focus on rare earths highlights the strategic importance of these materials in high-tech manufacturing and the need for a robust domestic supply chain [20][30] - The interconnectedness of trade policy and resource management is becoming increasingly evident, with various U.S. departments coordinating responses to potential supply chain disruptions [26][30]