The United States has initiated a formal Section 301 investigation into German trade practices, citing concerns over the country's pharmaceutical pricing policies.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the probe on Friday, marking a significant escalation in transatlantic trade friction.
This legal mechanism allows the U.S. to impose tariffs or other remedies if it determines that foreign practices are unfair or discriminatory.
The move signals a widening scope of American trade enforcement under the current administration, which has previously deployed broad tariff measures globally.
By targeting Germany, the world's fourth-largest economy, Washington is challenging a key European ally on specific regulatory frameworks that affect U.S. pharmaceutical exports.
The investigation focuses on how German drug pricing mechanisms may disadvantage American manufacturers.