US launches major trade investigation targeting 60 economies, sparks protests from China and India

The United States has launched a broad investigation into unfair trade practices and forced labor, covering 60 global economies. The main goal of the measures is to rebuild tariff pressure, which represents a direct continuation and intensification of the trade policy known from the first presidency of Donald Trump. Washington's decision has caused immediate disruptions in international relations, leading, among other things, to India suspending negotiations on a new trade agreement. The US administration argues that revising the existing rules is necessary to protect the domestic market and labor standards. forced labor US trade policy under the new administration refers back to the America First strategy, which in 2017–2021 led to tariffs being imposed on Chinese goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The current investigation is one of the broadest in history, simultaneously covering 60 different economic jurisdictions, representing a departure from the previous practice of examining individual sectors. Previous administrations more often used World Trade Organization mechanisms instead of unilateral investigations on such a scale.

China strongly condemned the US actions, describing them as an act of protectionism just before planned diplomatic talks in Paris. Beijing argues that the investigation violates free trade principles and destabilizes global supply chains in key industrial sectors. Meanwhile, the European Union issued an official appeal to the United States to adhere to previously concluded trade agreements and avoid escalating tensions. Brussels fears that Washington's new tariff offensive could ricochet and hit European exporters. 60 (economies) — number of countries covered by the new US trade investigation Change in US trade strategy: Scope of investigations: Targeted and sectoral → Global covering 60 countries; Political goal: Stabilizing relations → Rebuilding tariff pressure

In the shadow of the global dispute, Vietnam recorded the world's largest trade surplus with the United States in January 2026. This data highlights Hanoi's growing role as an alternative production center to China, which nevertheless places the country in a difficult position regarding the new investigations. In another Asian region, US Vice President JD Vance welcomed South Korea's new investment law, suggesting Washington's selective approach to individual partners. The administration in Seoul hopes the new regulations will help avoid the strictest restrictions announced by the Americans. Reactions to the US investigation: India: Suspension of negotiations, China: Condemnation of actions, EU: Call to adhere to agreements