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Process

What happens next

Once the ITC issues its questionnaires, the response window is expected to be short — likely measured in weeks. The practical sequence, subject to the Commission's official schedule:

Jul 13, 2026Complete

ITC investigation begins

USTR referred the matter on July 13 and the ITC has instituted the investigation.

Jul 30 – Aug 25Prepare now

Open questionnaire period

All firms can and should submit a response. Questionnaires will be issued on July 30, 2026 and responses will be accepted until August 25, 2026. Prepare now →

Oct 16, 2026Injury hearing

Injury hearing

The ITC holds hearings where eligible interested parties can give evidence in person. The ITC injury hearing will take place on October 16, 2026.

By Nov 13, 2026Determination

ITC determination — by November 13, 2026

The Commission weighs the record and, if it finds serious injury or threat of serious injury, recommends a remedy to the President.

Dec 2026 – Jan 2027Remedy

Remedy hearings

Parties will have the opportunity to address remedy in separate hearings before both the ITC (tentatively set for December 1, 2026) and before the U.S. Trade Representative (likely in January 2027).

By Jan 11, 2027Final step

Report submitted to the President

The ITC will submit its report to the President by January 11, 2027. After additional input from parties, USTR, and other agencies, the President can accept the ITC's recommended remedy, choose a different remedy, or take no action.

Preparing early means a stronger contribution when ITC questionnaires become available.

Updates log

Material updates, in order

This log adds an entry only when something material changes — not every internal development.

Jul 2026

USTR refers the lamb safeguard matter to the ITC

In July 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) asked the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to open a Section 201 safeguard investigation into imported lamb. Read the plain-language explainer →

Jul 2026

Questionnaires expected July 30

Questionnaires will be issued on July 30, 2026 and responses will be accepted until August 25, 2026. The direct link will be added here as soon as it is published. Prepare your evidence →

Media resources

For journalists

Media inquiries — media@protectlambsupply.org