USTR panel to hear India’s defence against 12.5% tariff on exports

On July 8, a panel of the United States Trade Representative will examine India’s response to the suggested 12.5% extra duty under Section 301. Witnesses will include senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce, APEDA, and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association, which seeks an exemption for the auto‑components sector. The panel will assess whether India’s import regime imposes an unfair burden on US businesses and whether the evidence cited by the USTR meets the statutory threshold for action.