Trade Action
A government measure that imposes additional tariffs or restrictions beyond the base MFN rate.
A trade action is any government measure that modifies the standard tariff treatment for specific goods. In the US, major trade actions include Section 301 tariffs (on Chinese goods), Section 232 tariffs (on steel and aluminum), IEEPA tariffs (emergency powers), antidumping duties (on specific products from specific countries), and countervailing duties (offsetting foreign subsidies). Trade actions stack: a single import can be subject to the MFN rate plus multiple trade actions plus processing fees.
Related terms
Section 301
Additional US tariffs on Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Section 232
US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
IEEPA Tariff
Tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act during declared national emergencies.
MFN Rate
The default tariff rate applied to imports from most countries under WTO rules.