United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India, under the Trump administration

United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India, under the Trump administration

¨     United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India, under the Trump administration.

¨     The proposal is linked to Section 301 investigations by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding alleged failures to prohibit or enforce bans on goods made with forced labour.

¨     Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the U.S. to respond to unfair foreign trade practices.

¨     The USTR uses this mechanism for issues related to market access, intellectual property, and labour-linked trade concerns.

¨     India is among 54 countries facing a proposed 12.5% additional tariff on imports.

¨     Six economies—Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan—would face a 10% tariff.

¨     USTR Jamieson Greer stated that failure to address forced labour-linked imports creates an uneven trade environment for American workers.

¨     India has rejected the allegations and called for resolution through bilateral trade talks.

¨     The identified sectors include aluminium, cotton, cocoa, fish, coffee, nickel, palm oil, and rice.

¨     The allegations claim India imported forced labour-linked inputs and exported finished products to the U.S.

¨     Certain goods such as energy, pharmaceuticals, beef, coffee, and some fruits and vegetables are exempt from the proposed tariffs.

¨     The proposal is not final and is still under public consultation.

Key deadlines include:

¨     22 June 2026 for hearing requests

¨     6 July 2026 for written comments

¨     7 July 2026 for public hearings