U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over forced labour

📌 Summary:

• U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on goods imported from India and 16 other countries, citing the use of forced labour in the production of such items
• U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on July 24, 2026
• The move came a day before the expiration of an earlier 10% additional levy on all countries
• Signals intensifying U.S. trade protectionism and the use of labour standards as a non-tariff barrier against Indian and other exports

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR / GS3 Economy — U.S. trade policy, non-tariff barriers, impact on India's exports and India-U.S. economic ties.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act empowers the USTR to act unilaterally against foreign trade practices deemed unfair
• Tariffs target 60 countries at a 10% rate, linked to forced-labour concerns
• U.S. Trade Representative: Jamieson Greer

🔑 Key Term: Section 301 — provision of the U.S. Trade Act (1974) allowing the USTR to investigate and retaliate against foreign trade practices considered unfair or discriminatory.