A new trade hurdle? India engaged with US over Section 301 probe linked to forced labour concerns
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday said it is in touch with the United States regarding a Section 301 investigation linked to concerns over forced labour and excess industrial capacity.Earlier, the Office of the United States trade representative (USTR) named India among countries it believes follow unfair trade practices. Based on its findings, the USTR has proposed additional tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from the countries concerned.The development comes as India and the US continue talks on a bilateral trade deal.The USTR’s findings were based on 60 investigations carried out under Section 301. It identified India among 54 economies that, according to the US assessment, do not have strong enough measures to stop the import of goods allegedly made using forced labour.
On June 2, the USTR released its findings from the forced labour investigation and proposed additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies.Under the proposal, imports from Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan would face a 10% tariff. Imports from 54 other economies, including India and China, would be subject to a higher tariff of 12.5%. Pakistan and Indonesia are among India’s key competitors in global trade.The proposed tariffs have not yet been finalised and remain open for further consideration.Responding to the development, the commerce ministry said, “India remains engaged with the US on the matter as a part of Section 301 proceedings.India is also parallelly engaged with the US for finalisation of a framework agreement as was announced on 2nd February 2026 and in accordance with the joint statement released on 7th February 2026.”
