The U.S. imposed new 10% tariffs, ostensibly for 'forced labor,' but the author views these as a strategic ploy to force trade deals, especially after previous temporary tariffs expired. Differentiated rates favoring countries with existing U.S. agreements undermine the stated anti-forced labor objective. India, despite no accusation, faces tariffs, yet reduced its rate to 10% via a symbolic import ban. Lingering uncertainty from another investigation advises India against hasty trade deals, given the U.S.'s unstable tariff landscape.