India asks America to review proposed 12.5% tariff, conveys strong reservations over USTR's forced labour findings
India says the tariff would raise costs for U.S. manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers if the USTR does not revise its finding.
- During a public hearing on July 8, Joint Secretary in Department of Commerce Brij Mohan Mishra urged the USTR to reconsider a proposed 12.5 per cent tariff, arguing trade disputes should be resolved through bilateral negotiations rather than unilateral measures.
- The USTR investigation, launched in March 2026, covers 46 economies over alleged forced labour concerns; Indian officials contend the determination impermissibly clubs these nations into a single category without providing a rationale.
- Representing the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, First Secretary Shreyans Gupta argued that Indian rice imports are minimal and subject to strict regulatory checks preventing exports of goods produced with forced labour.
- Industry chambers Ficci and CII submitted that the proposed tariffs lack evidentiary support and would increase costs for American manufacturers, importers, and retailers, disrupting US-India supply chains without advancing stated policy goals.
- India remains willing to engage constructively with the USTR through consultation and dialogue, requesting that any trade problems be addressed within the framework of bilateral trade negotiations instead of unilateral actions.
13 Articles
13 Articles
India seeks review of US’ forced labour investigation
Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Brij Mohan Mishra, during a public hearing, said that India takes the elimination of forced labour seriously as a Constitutional obligation, and as a matter of international law and principle.
Deccan Chronicle
The Hindu Business LineIndia Seeks Review Of Proposed Tariff, Cites Flaws In USTR's Report On Forced Labour Probe
India takes the elimination of forced labour seriously as a constitutional obligation, and as a matter of international law and principle. “India would like to highlight its concerns with the USTR's report and findings against India,” he said
Inadequate, insufficient evidence on forced labour 301 probe: India tells US
India has informed the US that its tariff determination lacks sufficient rationale. New Delhi argues the US Trade Representative's report unfairly groups many economies. India insists there is inadequate evidence of unfair competitive advantage. The nation advocates for resolving trade issues through bilateral negotiations. India remains willing to engage constructively through dialogue and consultation.
India has told the US that trade-related issues between the two countries should be resolved through mutual dialogue and bilateral trade negotiations rather than unilateral decisions. India has appealed to the US Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider the proposed 12.5 percent additional tariff. India states that the Section 301 investigation into forced labor issues has several shortcomings and flaws. During a public hearing held on this mat…
India asks America to review proposed 12.5% tariff, conveys strong reservations over USTR's forced labour findings
Appearing at a public hearing, Brij Mohan Mishra, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, conveyed India's strong reservations over the USTR's findings, highlighting the country's constructive engagement on issues related to forced labour.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
