Lamb Meat; Institution of Investigation, Scheduling of Public Hearings, and Determination That the Investigation Is Extraordinarily Complicated

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a safeguard (Section 201) investigation into lamb meat imports, an early step that could eventually lead to import relief measures but changes nothing for importers yet.

What changed: According to the notice, the Commission instituted Investigation No. TA-201-80 under Section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974, following a July 13, 2026 request from the USTR, to determine whether lamb meat is being imported in increased quantities that are a substantial cause of serious injury (or threat) to the domestic industry. The notice states the Commission deemed the investigation "extraordinarily complicated" and will make its injury determination by November 13, 2026, and submit its report to the President by January 11, 2027.

Who's affected: The notice names lamb meat as the product under investigation. It does not specify particular HTS codes or countries of origin; the investigation concerns imports generally into the United States.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported products fall within the "lamb meat" category described in the notice.
- Confirm with your broker how a potential future safeguard remedy could affect your sourcing if the investigation proceeds.
- Check the ITC docket for scheduling of the public hearings and any opportunity to participate.
- Confirm the classification of your lamb meat products with your licensed customs broker.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.