Washington, June 3: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced plans to impose additional tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries, including India, citing concerns over forced labour in global supply chains. The proposal, issued under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, alleges that these economies have failed to enforce prohibitions against goods produced with forced labour, thereby creating unfair competition for American workers.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer emphasized that the lack of enforcement by major trading partners undermines fair trade practices. “This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field,” he said, adding that the U.S. will no longer tolerate such disparities. While some countries have taken initial steps through trade agreements like USMCA or reciprocal commitments, the USTR insists that stronger measures are necessary to prevent forced labour from being entrenched in international commerce.

Under the proposal, economies that already impose partial or full bans on forced labour imports, or have committed to reciprocal agreements, would face an additional 10 percent duty. All other economies, including those without effective enforcement mechanisms, would be subject to the higher 12.5 percent tariff. The USTR also outlined a textile mechanism that would allow certain volumes of apparel and textile imports to enter at reduced tariff rates, providing limited relief to affected exporters.

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The hearings on the proposed tariffs are scheduled for July 7, 2026, where stakeholders will present their views before final decisions are made. If implemented, the move could significantly impact trade flows, particularly in sectors such as textiles, apparel, and manufactured goods, where forced labour allegations are most prevalent. The proposal underscores Washington’s growing emphasis on ethical trade practices and its determination to align commerce with human rights standards.