Latest in Trump Tariffs: New unfair-trade probes against India, over a dozen other countries

The Donald Trump 2.0 administration has launched fresh probes against 16 countries or groups, including India, to detect any unfair-trade practices, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer hinting at new levies against several countries by this summer. The investigations are under Section 301 -- a lws that authorises the US Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate and impose sanctions to combat unfair foreign trade practices.

The 16 countries or regions, according to an official release, are:

• China
• India
• European Union
• Singapore
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Cambodia
• Thailand
• Korea
• Vietnam
• Taiwan
• Bangladesh
• Mexico
• Japan

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The probe process will begin on March 17, with all parties required to submit their responses by April 15, said the Trump administration.

The first hearing in the process will take place between May 5 and May 8.

The probe could enable the administration to slap fresh import duties on goods from any of the countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices.

The US Trade Representative hopes to conclude the investigations before Trump's new temporary tariffs expire in July, according to foreign media reports.

What will the probe let Trump 2.0 achieve?

Experts say the probe provides the administration a way to rebuild its case for a credible tariff threat against America's trade partners.

What could fresh US trade investigations entail?

The Trump 2.0 administration has kicked off two new trade investigations in a bid to to rebuild tariff pressure after the US court setback, according to foreign media reports.

In February, the apex American court struck struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 verdict. The bench ruled that Trump overstepped his presidential authority by using emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose global tariffs.

Most justices said the law does not authorise a president to impose tariffs.

However, the Trump administration pushed for levies through a different legal route, announcing an overall levy of 10 per cent on all of America's trade partners and then raised it to 15 per cent.

The second investigation focuses on forced labour practices in supply chains.

The probe specifically cites automotive overcapacity in China and Japan, where several companies are reportedly unprofitable or unable to meet interest payments from operations.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this development:

What are Section 301 trade investigations about?

The US wants to find out of any of America's trade partners are engaged in what the Trump administration describes as unfair trade practices.

Which countries could face new US tariffs?

China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico could face fresh levies.

What action can the US take after the probe?

The Trump administration could impose import taxes on goods from countries found to obstruct its trade preferences.

When could the probe conclude?

US officials hope to complete it before temporary tariffs expire in July.