The United States has opened a major trade investigation targeting India and dozens of other economies over concerns related to imports linked to forced labour. The probe could pave the way for fresh tariffs on goods entering the American market if authorities determine that foreign trade practices harm US commerce.
Officials in Washington announced the investigation as part of a broader effort to address what the government describes as unfair global trade practices. The move could affect several major trading partners, including India, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.
The decision comes shortly after the US administration began another investigation into alleged unfair trade practices by several countries, signalling a renewed push to reshape international trade policies.
Section 301 Probe: Which Countries are Under Investigation?
According to officials, the probe targets 60 economies, including India and several major exporters to the United States. Other countries involved in the investigation include Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland and Norway.
The investigation aims to examine whether imports linked to forced labour practices have entered the US market and whether governments have taken sufficient action to prevent such goods from being exported.
Ambassador Greer launched Section 301 investigations into acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies to determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
Learn more: https://t.co/E8HBZYZcyV pic.twitter.com/Zzf8uQ2QBy
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) March 13, 2026
Interestingly, Canada, which remains one of the largest trading partners of the United States, is not included in the list of countries under review.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigation could result in new tariffs against the countries involved.
Greer said the move should come as “no surprise” to trading partners and emphasised that Washington would continue addressing unfair trade practices.
He said that Trump was determined to pursue tariffs and “will find a way to deal with unfair trading practices. He’ll find a way to get our trade deficit down. He’ll find a way to protect US manufacturing. We have a lot of tools to do it,” Greer said.
What is Section 301 of the Trade Act?
The new probe is being conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a legal provision that allows the US government to investigate trade practices of other countries.
Section 301 gives the United States Trade Representative the authority to take action if a foreign government’s policies are considered unfair, discriminatory or harmful to US commerce.
The law allows the US to impose trade restrictions, including tariffs, if an investigation concludes that such practices exist.
Under the process, the US government must also seek consultations with the countries involved before making a final decision.
Trump Section 301: Possible Tariffs and Trade Impact
If the investigation confirms unfair trade practices, the United States could impose tariffs on certain imported goods from the countries involved. Officials say the government hopes to conclude the probe before the temporary tariffs introduced earlier this year expire.
The investigation may strengthen Washington’s negotiating position in ongoing trade discussions with several partners.
The probe also comes at a time when the US government is attempting to reduce its trade deficit and strengthen domestic manufacturing industries.
Section 301 Impact on India-US Trade
India remains one of the key trading partners of the United States, and any new tariffs could affect exports in sectors such as manufacturing, textiles and industrial goods.
At present, Indian exports to the US face a 10 per cent reciprocal tariff that was introduced as part of a temporary global import surcharge announced earlier this year.
The tariff applies for 150 days from February 24, following a US Supreme Court ruling that blocked earlier sweeping duties proposed by the administration.
Trade analysts say the outcome of the investigation could influence future trade negotiations between the two countries.
Section 301: What Happens Next
The United States Trade Representative will now conduct consultations with the countries under investigation while reviewing their trade policies.
If the investigation finds evidence of practices that harm US commerce, the government may introduce tariffs or other trade measures.
The outcome of the probe could reshape trade relations between the United States and several major economies, including India, as Washington intensifies efforts to address what it sees as unfair global trade practices.
