U.S. proposes 12.5% tariff on India and other countries, Indian govt says it ‘remains engaged’ with U.S

Key points

• The U.S. government has proposed to levy a tariff of 12.5% on imports from 54 countries, including India, that it says have “failed to impose and effectively enforce” prohibitions on the import of goods produced using forced labour.
• In response, the Indian government has said it “remains engaged” with the U.S. government regarding this development as well as the finalisation of an Interim Agreement on trade.
• The office of the U.S. Trade Representative had, in March this year, launched an investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 to look into whether its trade partners were taking enough steps to stop the import of goods that are made using forced labour.
• The latest tariff announcements, as part of this investigation, are not final as yet.
• Countries, including India, can submit requests to take part in public hearings by June 22, submit written comments by July 6, and...