The United States has launched new investigations into what it describes as unfair trade practices by several countries, including India, potentially opening the door to penalties such as additional tariffs.
The move comes as US President Donald Trump seeks alternative measures after tariffs imposed earlier were struck down by the Supreme Court of the United States.
The probe into excess industrial capacity targets multiple economies, including India, European Union, China and Japan, and could heighten trade tensions with these partners.
According to comments cited by AFP, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration is launching separate investigations focused on industrial overproduction and the import of goods allegedly produced using forced labour.
“We need to protect American jobs, and we need to make sure we have fair trade with our trading partners,” Greer said.
“If we need to impose tariffs to help solve this, we will,” he added, though he did not specify whether potential penalties would vary by country.
Greer also said the second investigation, focused on forced labour concerns, could begin “no earlier than tomorrow afternoon” and may involve around 60 trading partners.
The latest move by the Trump administration comes ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in April.
