USTR Targets Forced-Labor Goods Across 60 Economies With New Tariff Plan

The USTR ruled that 60 economies fail to prohibit and enforce a ban on importing goods produced with forced labor, deeming these practices unreasonable and actionable under Section 301(b). It proposed additional duties: 10% on economies with enforceable prohibitions or reciprocal trade commitments (or partial regimes), and 12.5% for all other economies, plus a textile mechanism for reduced rates on some apparel imports. Public comments are due by July 6, 2026, with hearings on July 7 and request-to-appear by June 22. The investigations, initiated March 12, identified 54 economies that failed to prohibit forced labor and 6 that failed to enforce it (Canada; Ecuador; the EU; Indonesia; Mexico; Pakistan). The aim is to level the playing field and curb forced labor in supply chains.”,