Washington, June 3 (IANS). The US Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed to impose an additional 12.5 percent tariff on 60 countries and economies, including India, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This step has been taken based on allegations that adequate steps have not been taken to stop the import of products made with forced labor in these countries.
Washington, June 3 (IANS). The US Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed to impose an additional 12.5 percent tariff on 60 countries and economies, including India, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This step has been taken based on allegations that adequate steps have not been taken to stop the import of products made with forced labor in these countries.
USTR said in its statement that 60 countries and economies have failed to effectively enforce and ban the import of goods made with forced labor.
The statement said that under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, it was found that the policies and practices of these countries impose an undue burden on and restrict US trade. Therefore action can be taken against them.
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said it is unacceptable for America’s major trading partners to fail to stop imports of goods made with forced labor.
He said this creates a situation where American workers face unequal competition in the global market.
Greer said, “We will no longer tolerate this inequity. Some trading partner countries have taken initial steps to prevent imports of products made with forced labor, including commitments made under the USMCA and reciprocal trade agreements. However, all of our trading partners must do more to ensure that global trade does not promote forced labor in any way.”
According to the USTR proposal, an additional 10 percent duty is proposed to be imposed on countries that have imposed a ban on the import of goods made with forced labor, or have promised to implement such a ban, or have implemented a partial regime that prevents the import of certain such products.
At the same time, it has been proposed to impose an additional duty of 12.5 percent on all other countries and economies. India is also included in this category.
The statement said USTR has also proposed a special textile mechanism, under which a specified quantity of textile and apparel products coming from certain countries can be allowed to enter the US at a reduced Section-301 tariff rate.
USTR has said that a public hearing on the proposed measures will be held on July 7, 2026. After this, further decisions will be taken on the basis of suggestions and feedback received.
–IANS
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