USTR forced-labor 301 hearing opens as India urges withdrawal of 12.5% tariff

Summary

The U.S. Trade Representative opened a three-day hearing on 7 July on proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10%-12.5% on 60 economies over alleged failure to ban forced-labor goods. In written comments filed 6 July, India urged the USTR to drop a proposed 12.5% duty on Indian exports, arguing the probe lacks evidence. Mexico, Peru, Guatemala and Ecuador also objected at the hearing.