USTR Proposes 12.5% Tariff on India, 10% on Pakistan & EU Under Section 301 for Forced Labor Imports

US Imposes 50% Tariffs on $20 Billion Canadian Goods; Canada Retaliates Under Section 338 of Tariff Act 1930

The US has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, invoking a rarely-used Depression-era law (Section 338, Tariff Act 1930). Canada immediately retaliated dollar-for-dollar, escalating a trade war that threatens the renewal of the USMCA trade pact. This is critical for understanding modern trade protectionism, legal instruments for tariffs, and the fragility of bilateral economic alliances.

US Proposes 7.5% Tariff on China Under Section 301 for Excess Industrial Capacity

The US is considering a new 7.5% tariff on China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting China's excess industrial capacity. This move comes after the Supreme Court struck down a broader tariff plan and signals calibrated trade pressure ahead of a planned Trump-Xi meeting.

Russia Accounts for 51% of India's Oil Imports in July 2026; US House Passes 100% Tariff Bill

India's reliance on Russian oil hit a record high of 51% in July 2026, even as the US House passed a bill to impose 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. This poses a strategic dilemma for India's energy security and foreign policy.

US Sanctioning Act: 100% Tariff on India's Russian Oil Imports

The U.S. has enacted the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026, which imposes a 100% tariff on goods from countries that continue to import Russian oil. India, a top importer, faces a strategic dilemma between its energy security needs and potential trade losses.

Russia's Share in India's Oil Imports Hits 48% as U.S. Senate Passes 100% Tariff Bill

India’s dependence on Russian oil has hit a record 48% of total crude imports in June 2026, even as the U.S. Senate passed a bill to impose up to 100% tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil. This creates a strategic dilemma for India—balancing energy security with potential U.S. sanctions exposure—making it a high-priority topic for Economy and IR questions in exams.

EU Commission Proposes India FTA to Council: 96% Tariff Cut on Goods, €4B Annual Savings

The European Commission has forwarded the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to the European Council for final approval. This landmark deal will eliminate tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, save €4 billion annually in duties, and unlock market access for 99% of Indian exports, while reducing dependence on China-centric supply chains.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

India's LPG Imports from US Hit 67% as West Asia Supply Falls 85% Amid Hormuz Crisis

India's LPG imports from the US have surged to 67% of total, a massive shift from the earlier 10% target. This diversification comes as imports from West Asia dropped 85% between February and June 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. For UPSC/Banking students, this is a key case study in energy security, geopolitical risk, and trade diversification.