India, June 3 -- The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed an additional 12.5% import duty on 54 countries, including India, over alleged failures to prevent goods produced using forced labour from entering their markets. The proposal follows investigations into 60 nations accused of not adequately enforcing restrictions on such imports.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that allowing goods linked to forced labour creates an unfair global trade environment and puts American workers at a disadvantage. He added that stronger enforcement by trading partners is necessary to ensure fair and ethical trade practices. The proposal includes countries such as China, Japan, Brazil, Australia, the UK, Saudi Ar...