US Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Import Rules
WASHINGTON: The United States has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies after concluding that their rules against goods made with forced labor are either absent or not being properly enforced.
The move was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which said the findings were made under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation examined whether major US trading partners had imposed and enforced effective bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
According to USTR, 54 economies, including China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, were found to have failed to impose and effectively enforce such prohibitions. Another six — Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan — were found to have laws in place but insufficient enforcement.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington viewed the issue as a matter of fair competition for American workers, arguing that weak enforcement by trading partners allowed goods linked to forced labor to distort global markets.
As part of its proposed response, USTR is seeking public comment on additional duties on products from the affected economies. The proposed tariff rate is 10 percent for economies that have adopted, partially adopted, or committed to forced-labor import restrictions, while other economies may face a 12.5 percent rate. A separate mechanism is also being proposed for certain apparel and textile imports.
The proposal could have implications for exporters across Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, particularly in sectors where supply-chain traceability has become a growing compliance issue.
USTR said written comments on the proposed actions are due by July 6, 2026, while requests to appear at the public hearings must be submitted by June 22. The hearings are scheduled for July 7.
The case reflects Washington's broader effort to link trade enforcement with labor standards, while increasing pressure on trading partners to strengthen controls over forced-labor goods entering international supply chains.
