US launches ‘unfair’ trade probe into India

The US administration, under President Donald Trump, has initiated a trade investigation targeting 16 major trading partners, including India, to address concerns over excess industrial capacity. Announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, this Section 301 investigation aims to scrutinize practices that may lead to unfair trade advantages, such as persistent trade surpluses and government subsidies. The move comes in light of a recent US Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump’s previous global tariffs unconstitutional, prompting the administration to impose a temporary 10% tariff on various imports. Greer indicated that the investigation could result in new tariffs by this summer, with public comments accepted until mid-April and a hearing scheduled for early May. Additionally, a separate investigation will assess imports produced with forced labor, further expanding scrutiny on over 60 countries, particularly in light of allegations regarding labor camps in China's Xinjiang region. These developments signal a significant escalation in US trade policy as officials prepare for upcoming discussions with Chinese representatives, highlighting the ongoing tensions in international trade relations.