US launches sweeping trade probe against dozens of nations

THE probe targets EU, China, India and others.— AFP

• Beijing denounces move as ‘political manipulation’
• EU to ‘respond firmly’ if actions violate existing pact

WASHINGTON: The Uni­­ted States announced new investigations on Wednes­day into what it considers unfair trade practices by dozens of countries, opening the door to potential penalties such as new tariffs as President Donald Trump seeks to replace duties struck down by the Supreme Court.

The Trump administration...