India Reviews US Section 301 Probe Against 16 Trading Partners

US Initiates Investigations Under Section 301 Against 16 Trading Partners

Summary The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated investigations under Section 301 against 16 trading partners, including India, China, Japan, and the European Union (EU), to address unfair foreign practices such as forced labor and overcapacity affecting American manufacturing.

Investigation Scope The probe covers various sectors, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, batteries, electronics, chemicals, machinery, semiconductors, and solar modules.

Trading Partners Affected The 16 trading partners under investigation are: China, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, India, and the 27-nation EU bloc.

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Indian Response India is evaluating the US announcement and studying the documents from various perspectives, including legal and economic angles.

Background The move comes after the US Supreme Court ruled against the Trump tariffs, with US President Donald Trump stating that the US has other alternatives to impose such levies. The US has imposed a 10% tariff on all countries for 150 days from February 24.

Probe Examination The investigation will examine whether policies such as industrial subsidies, state-supported manufacturing expansion, activities of state-owned enterprises, market-access barriers, currency practices, or suppressed domestic demand have contributed to global manufacturing overcapacity that burdens US commerce.

Retaliatory Measures If such practices are confirmed, Washington may impose retaliatory trade measures, including additional tariffs, quantitative restrictions, or other trade barriers.

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Public Docket Public dockets for written submissions will open on March 17, allowing companies, trade groups, and governments to submit their comments on the probe.