U.S. launches fresh investigation into India, 59 other economies on forced labour charges

The U.S. has launched a fresh investigation into 60 countries, including India, to look into whether these countries have failed to ban the import of goods made using forced labour, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced late on March 12.

The new investigation is under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. This is the same section under which the USTR launched a different investigation on March 11 on India and 15 other countries to examine whether they are using excess manufacturing capacity to export to the U.S. to the detriment of American industry.

While the first investigation was on 16 countries, the second one’s scope covers 60 of the U.S.’ largest trading partners. 

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According to the U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken “sufficient steps” to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labour and how the “failure to eradicate” these abhorrent practices impacts U.S. workers and businesses.

If the results of the investigation warrant it, the U.S. can use this to levy tariffs on the countries it has found have failed to take these sufficient steps to ban the import of goods made using forced labour.  

“Despite the international consensus against forced labour, governments have failed to impose and effectively enforce measures banning goods produced with forced labour from entering their markets,” Mr. Greer said. “For too long, American workers and firms have been forced to compete against foreign producers who may have an artificial cost advantage gained from the scourge of forced labour.”

Once the investigation begins, the USTR must seek consultations with the economies that are under investigation. The USTR on March 11 said it has requested consultations with the governments of these economies in connection with these investigations. 

The USTR will hold hearings in connection with the investigations on April 28, 2026.