BTA Pressure? Why US Proposal on 12.5% Tariffs on India Over Forced Labour Concerns Raises Questions
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) launched two separate Section 301 investigations on March 11 and 12, 2026, covering 60 economies over concerns related to forced labour and excess industrial capacity.
USTR has now issued its findings in the forced labour investigation and proposed additional tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 54 economies, including India.
The 12.5% tariff applies across products except textiles, where lower tariffs have been proposed, although specific rates have not yet been finalised.
The measure remains a proposal and has not yet been finalised. The proposal has now entered the consultation phase. Interested parties can submit requests to appear at hearings and summaries........
