Number: 98-454 Title: Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended: Its Operation and Issues Involving its Use by the United States Authors: Wayne M. Morrison, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Abstract: Sections 301 through 309 of the Trade Act of 1974 (as amended), commonly referred to as Section 301, are one of the principal means by which the United States seeks to address unfair foreign barriers to U.S. exports and enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements. U.S. membership in the World Trade organization (WTO) has raised congressional concern over the ability of the United States to effectively use its trade laws to combat unfair foreign trade practices. This report describes the Section 301 process (including the related Special 301 and Super 301 processes) and examines questions that arise from its use. Pages: 6 Date: August 17, 2000