USTR Floats 12.5% Tariff on Indian Apparel Imports in Forced-Labour Probe
The US Trade Representative has proposed a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Indian goods—above the 10% baseline for ~60 other partners—targeting cotton garments and inputs flagged for forced-labour risk. Public comment runs through early July before levies take effect; India says talks continue.
USTR proposes 12.5% tariff on Indian imports (vs 10% for others) under a Section 301 forced-labour probe, flagging cotton garments and other inputs. India says it remains engaged; levies pending public comment before implementation.
Why this matters
USTR is escalating Section 301 enforcement beyond China, using forced-labour findings to justify above-baseline rates on a key apparel sourcing hub. Signals tougher US scrutiny of Indian cotton supply chains.
Retail-brand activity steady at 902 signals over the last 90 days.
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Bloomberg wire originally; carried by:
- Business of Fashion · Retail — Same time