India faces fresh US trade probe; Pakistan, China among 59 other nations under scrutiny

The United States has launched an investigation into 60 economies — including India — to examine whether governments are doing enough to block imports of goods produced using forced labour.

The probe was announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows Washington to investigate foreign practices that may harm American businesses.

Greer said the investigation will assess whether countries have imposed and effectively enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour and how any failure to do so affects US companies.

Besides India, the list of countries under scrutiny includes China, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Venezuela, along with US allies such as Australia, Canada and the European Union.

The investigation comes shortly after the administration of US President Donald Trump launched a separate probe into manufacturing practices in 16 economies, including India, to determine whether they “burden or restrict” US commerce.

The move is widely seen as part of Washington’s efforts to restore tariff pressure after the US Supreme Court struck down many of Trump’s earlier global tariffs. The administration has since imposed a temporary 10% global tariff under another provision of the Trade Act while pursuing new trade investigations that could justify further duties.

Greer said hearings on the forced-labour probe are expected to be held in April as the US examines potential trade remedies.