GS-3News & Analysis24 July 2026thehindu.com

U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over issue forced labour

The U.S. has imposed 10% tariffs on goods imported from India and 16 other countries, citing the use of forced labor in their production. This action was taken by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, at the direction of President Donald Trump. India, which was previously subject to 12.5% tariffs, has contested these investigations and amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labor. The U.S. is India's second-largest trade partner and the largest destination for its exports, with bilateral goods trade reaching nearly $141 billion in 2025.

The U.S. has imposed 10% tariffs on goods imported from India and 16 other countries, citing the use of forced labor in their production. This action was taken by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, at the direction of President Donald Trump. India, which was previously subject to 12.5% tariffs, has contested these investigations and amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labor. The U.S. is India's second-largest trade partner and the largest destination for its exports, with bilateral goods trade reaching nearly $141 billion in 2025.

Exam linkage

GS Paper 2 (International Relations - Bilateral Groupings & Agreements); GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy - External Sector, Trade Policy)

Syllabus mapping

Indian EconomyExternal Sector & Capital FlowsIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryIndian Society DiversityGlobalization Indian SocietyResources Industrial Location

This topic appears in Mains

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