India is set to contest proposed US tariffs on certain Indian exports next week, arguing that the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) forced-labour findings are legally flawed. Indian government representatives and industry bodies plan to present counter-arguments at a public USTR hearing on July 8.
According to reports, officials from India’s commerce ministry and organizations including APEDA, FICCI, CII and ACMA are expected to challenge the basis for the tariff action. In prior written submissions, India says the USTR assessment does not adequately consider India’s domestic legal framework. India argues it has statutory prohibitions, institutional mechanisms and ongoing policy measures designed to reduce vulnerability to forced labour.
Industry groups also argue that India’s policies do not meet the criteria for being “unreasonable” or discriminatory under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. Both government and industry submissions also contend that imposing the tariffs would harm Indian exporters and could affect US businesses and consumers.
