US launches global trade offensive: Trump administration initiates probe targeting 60 nations

The administration of President Donald Trump has initiated a wide-ranging investigation into unfair trade practices, covering 60 countries and focusing on the exploitation of forced labor. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by Jamieson Greer, is overseeing efforts to rebuild tariff pressure from Washington. This initiative is seen as a key element of the new administration's economic strategy, aimed at protecting the American market from goods produced under conditions that violate labor standards. According to official statements, the investigation will verify the extent to which US trading partners use prohibited practices, which could form the basis for imposing new tariffs. 60 (countries) — countries covered by the new US trade investigation During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Donald Trump repeatedly used tariffs as a tool of foreign policy, leading, among other things, to a trade war with China. In 2018, the US administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns, which triggered a series of proceedings before the World Trade Organization. The current investigation into forced labor marks a return to a protectionist course, but on a much broader, global scale.

The Washington decision has caused immediate disruptions in relations with key economic partners, including India. According to Reuters agency reports, the government in New Delhi has decided to suspend work on a potential trade agreement with the United States due to the announced investigation. Indian sources indicate that the new investigation has become a serious obstacle to continuing previous bilateral negotiations. Simultaneously, Singapore announced its intention to engage in direct dialogue with Jamieson Greer to clarify the impact of US actions on regional trade. Asian countries fear that the rigorous approach to the issue of forced labor could be used as a pretext for introducing trade barriers. Reactions to the US trade investigation: March 12 — Reaction from Singapore and the EU; March 13, morning — Criticism from China; March 13, noon — India's decision

China sharply criticized the American investigation, calling it a blow to global trade stability just ahead of planned diplomatic talks in Paris. Beijing claims that Washington's actions are unilateral and violate the principles of international cooperation. The European Union also expressed concern, calling on the Donald Trump administration to respect existing agreements. Community representatives appealed for the United States to view Europe as an ally in solving the problem of global overproduction, not as a source of trade problems. Brussels emphasizes that jointly confronting market challenges would be more effective than imposing punitive tariffs on close partners. „The US should view us as an ally in tackling overcapacity, not as a source of the problem” — EU representative via Reuters