What happened: USTR finalised Section 301 forced-labour measures against India
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced final measures under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, 1974 on 23 July 2026. The measures followed USTR’s investigation into acts, policies and practices of 60 economies (including India) concerning the imposition and enforcement of prohibitions on imports of goods produced with forced labour.
Under the final measures, USTR imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on imports from India. USTR reduced the final duty rate compared with the initially proposed 12.5% ad valorem duty announced on 2 June 2026.
The Government of India reported close engagement with USTR throughout the investigation through written submissions and in-person consultations, including participation in public hearings. USTR placed India in the lower tier of additional tariffs under the final measures.
Background and earlier position: investigation scope and tariff coverage logic
USTR’s final Section 301 measures target forced-labour related import prohibitions and enforcement. The final outcomes in the announcement also describe how additional 10% duties interact with other U.S. tariff tools and product coverage.
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