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The U.S. Trade Representative has launched a Section 301 investigation into India, finding that the country lacks a legal prohibition and effective enforcement against imports produced with forced labor, as part of a broader 60-economy review covering over 99% of US imports. The finding could justify trade actions such as tariffs or import restrictions, with the investigation having started in March 2026.
The USTR released a comprehensive report accusing 60 economies of failing to curb forced-labor production and proposed tariffs on all products from those countries, naming partners such as China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UK, Canada and the EU. The move follows earlier tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court and drew mixed reactions from European and UK officials, who warned of uncertainty, while Washington argues the tariffs are needed to level the global playing field for American workers.
The Trump administration proposes new tariffs on about 60 trading partners that fail to curb forced-labor goods, with 10% tariffs for countries with existing bans and 12.5% for those without, potentially authorized under Section 301 as part of a bid to revive tariff policy after a Supreme Court ruling limited earlier levies, drawing skeptical reaction from critics.
Trump is rolling out a more restrained tariff regime to replace last year’s approach after the Supreme Court struck it down, proposing duties on about 60 partners with many rates lower than before and easing steel, aluminum and copper tariffs to reduce pain on farmers and manufacturers. The plan reflects a balance between lowering everyday costs and the push to “reindustrialize” the U.S. with a relatively high tariff wall. The administration’s new framework relies on forced-labor investigations (44 countries could face 12.5% and others 10% where anti-forced-labor laws exist or trade agreements apply) while ongoing probes into other partners continue. Public hearings are planned for July 7 as Europe, Canada, Mexico and others weigh how to respond amid negotiations.
The Trump administration proposed 10% or higher tariffs on about 60 trading partners accused of allowing forced labor, targeting major economies like China, the UK, and the EU. Most partners would face 12.5% duties, with 16 including the UK, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan and Argentina at 10%. Some goods are exempt (beef, tomatoes, coffee), and a rule may allow reduced tariffs on textiles if U.S. textiles are imported in equal amounts. The plan must go through a public comment process and is part of an effort to revive a tariff framework after the Supreme Court struck down earlier broad measures under Section 301 of the Trade Act; it signals ongoing U.S. attempts to reshape trade policy amid concerns over forced labor.
The Trump administration proposed a 10% tariff on top trading partners including Canada and the European Union after a USTR probe found weak enforcement against goods made with forced labor; a 12.5% duty is planned for dozens of other countries with signed commitments, while the United Kingdom is noted for having a partial regime to prevent forced labor. The plan is part of a broader Section 301 review to reimpose tariffs, with written comments due by July 6 and public hearings on July 7.
The USTR ruled that 60 economies fail to prohibit and enforce a ban on importing goods produced with forced labor, deeming these practices unreasonable and actionable under Section 301(b). It proposed additional duties: 10% on economies with enforceable prohibitions or reciprocal trade commitments (or partial regimes), and 12.5% for all other economies, plus a textile mechanism for reduced rates on some apparel imports. Public comments are due by July 6, 2026, with hearings on July 7 and request-to-appear by June 22. The investigations, initiated March 12, identified 54 economies that failed to prohibit forced labor and 6 that failed to enforce it (Canada; Ecuador; the EU; Indonesia; Mexico; Pakistan). The aim is to level the playing field and curb forced labor in supply chains.”,
USTR has opened a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s IP protection and enforcement after designating Vietnam a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report; the probe will evaluate whether Vietnam’s IP practices burden U.S. commerce and could lead to responsive actions after the review.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Trump’s top tariff strategist, is trying to turn the administration’s tariff agenda into a legally durable regime by shifting from IEEPA powers to Section 301 and related tools, including a short-term 10% tariff under Section 122 and a longer-term framework. He’s spearheaded 96 investigations and secured nine reciprocal deals, but Supreme Court limits and voter anxiety over prices complicate a path to lasting tariffs. Greer’s rising influence suggests the White House seeks tariffs that endure beyond this term, even as Republicans and the public debate their cost.
The USTR’s 2026 Special 301 Report designates Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country for IP protection and enforcement, moves Argentina and Mexico to the Watch List, adds the European Union to the Watch List, and removes Bulgaria from the Watch List. Six countries remain on the Priority Watch List and 19 are on the Watch List. USTR will decide within 30 days whether to launch a Section 301 investigation against Vietnam, following public submissions and a hearing with government, industry, and NGO representatives.
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated 60 Section 301(b) investigations to determine whether 60 economies failed to prohibit or effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labor, assessing if their acts are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce. USTR will seek consultations, hold hearings on April 28, 2026, and accept written comments by April 15, 2026. The economies under review include major partners such as Canada, the European Union, China, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Vietnam, among others.
The U.S. is launching 16 new Section 301 investigations into partners including China, the EU, and others to scrutinize perceived unfair practices and potential duties, after a Supreme Court ruling blocked earlier reciprocal tariffs; the probes could lead to new tariffs or other concessions, with public hearings starting May 5 as Washington seeks leverage to reindustrialize and reshape supply chains.
The Trump administration announced a new wave of Section 301 investigations into more than a dozen U.S. trading partners—including the EU, Mexico and China—to surface unfair practices and potentially trigger fresh tariffs, with a separate probe into goods made with forced labor to follow. The moves come as a 10% blanket tariff remains in place after a Supreme Court ruling limited country-specific duties, and officials say they aim to complete the investigations within the 150-day window tied to the current tariff, though the impact on existing deals with partners remains unclear.
The U.S. Trade Representative has launched a Section 301 investigation into China's implementation of the Phase One Agreement, focusing on whether China has fulfilled its commitments and the impact on U.S. interests, with public comments and a hearing scheduled for December 2025.
The U.S. Trade Representative has extended certain exclusions from China Section 301 tariffs until August 31, 2025, originally set to expire on May 31, 2025, related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation.