Key Dates & Resources
The current status of the process, a running log of material updates, and resources for stakeholders and media.
What happens next
The ITC's questionnaires are out, and the response window is short — the first responses are due August 25, 2026. The practical sequence, subject to the Commission's official schedule:
ITC investigation begins
USTR referred the matter on July 13 and the ITC has instituted the investigation.
Open questionnaire period
Questionnaires were issued on July 30, 2026. Responses are due: U.S. purchasers — August 25; U.S. importers — August 26; U.S. producers — August 28; foreign producers and exporters — August 31. All firms can and should submit a response. Download your questionnaire →
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.
ITC determination
The Commission weighs the record and, if it finds serious injury or threat of serious injury, recommends a remedy to the President.
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).
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 now that the ITC questionnaires are available.
Material updates, in order
This log adds an entry only when something material changes — not every internal development.
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 →
Questionnaires released
The ITC published all four questionnaires on July 30, 2026. Responses are due between August 25 and August 31, 2026, depending on the questionnaire. Download your questionnaire and see the deadlines →
ITC questionnaires
Downloadable resources for stakeholders.
U.S. purchasers’ questionnaire (Word)
Must be received by the ITC by August 25, 2026.
U.S. importers’ questionnaire (Word)
Must be received by the ITC by August 26, 2026.
U.S. producers’ questionnaire (Word)
Must be received by the ITC by August 28, 2026.
Foreign producers’/exporters’ questionnaire (Word)
Must be received by the ITC by August 31, 2026.
Return completed questionnaires via the ITC's secure portal — usitc.gov/qportal (PIN: LAMB, Phase: SAFEGUARD). All four questionnaires are also listed on the ITC's website.
For journalists
Media inquiries — media@protectlambsupply.org