All articles tagged with #forced labor
The U.S. Trade Representative has launched a Section 301 investigation into India, finding that the country lacks a legal prohibition and effective enforcement against imports produced with forced labor, as part of a broader 60-economy review covering over 99% of US imports. The finding could justify trade actions such as tariffs or import restrictions, with the investigation having started in March 2026.
The U.S. will respect tariff caps in its trade agreements with the European Union and Japan, citing the legal basis from new forced-labor tariffs under Section 301. USTR Jamieson Greer said “a deal is a deal,” while EU officials like Maros Sefcovic stressed that the Turnberry package envisions a 15% cap. Separately, the administration unveiled tariffs on 60 countries targeting forced-labor products, which could push overall duties beyond 15% depending on ongoing investigations at the OECD meeting in Paris.
The USTR released a comprehensive report accusing 60 economies of failing to curb forced-labor production and proposed tariffs on all products from those countries, naming partners such as China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UK, Canada and the EU. The move follows earlier tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court and drew mixed reactions from European and UK officials, who warned of uncertainty, while Washington argues the tariffs are needed to level the global playing field for American workers.
The Trump administration proposes new tariffs on about 60 trading partners that fail to curb forced-labor goods, with 10% tariffs for countries with existing bans and 12.5% for those without, potentially authorized under Section 301 as part of a bid to revive tariff policy after a Supreme Court ruling limited earlier levies, drawing skeptical reaction from critics.
Trump is rolling out a more restrained tariff regime to replace last year’s approach after the Supreme Court struck it down, proposing duties on about 60 partners with many rates lower than before and easing steel, aluminum and copper tariffs to reduce pain on farmers and manufacturers. The plan reflects a balance between lowering everyday costs and the push to “reindustrialize” the U.S. with a relatively high tariff wall. The administration’s new framework relies on forced-labor investigations (44 countries could face 12.5% and others 10% where anti-forced-labor laws exist or trade agreements apply) while ongoing probes into other partners continue. Public hearings are planned for July 7 as Europe, Canada, Mexico and others weigh how to respond amid negotiations.
The Trump administration proposed new double‑digit tariffs tied to forced‑labor concerns, with 16 economies facing 10% duties and 44 others at 12.5%; exemptions apply to many products (aircraft parts, food, rare earth minerals) and to Canada/Mexico under USMCA. Public hearings begin July 7, and the tariffs are not immediate, pending reviews. The move aims to replace revenue lost after court challenges to prior tariffs and signals further Section 301 actions, drawing mixed reactions from China and the EU as the administration presses ahead with a global tariff strategy.
The European Commission rejects Washington’s plan to reimpose a 10% tariff on EU goods over alleged gaps in enforcing forced-labor bans, calling the move unjustified even as the U.S. argues Brussels hasn’t fully banished forced-labor imports. The EU notes its own prohibition takes effect in December 2027, while the tariff could jeopardize the Turnberry-truce and upcoming votes; Brussels will study the preliminary findings and continue engaging with Washington as talks proceed at OECD meetings.
The Trump administration proposed 10% or higher tariffs on about 60 trading partners accused of allowing forced labor, targeting major economies like China, the UK, and the EU. Most partners would face 12.5% duties, with 16 including the UK, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan and Argentina at 10%. Some goods are exempt (beef, tomatoes, coffee), and a rule may allow reduced tariffs on textiles if U.S. textiles are imported in equal amounts. The plan must go through a public comment process and is part of an effort to revive a tariff framework after the Supreme Court struck down earlier broad measures under Section 301 of the Trade Act; it signals ongoing U.S. attempts to reshape trade policy amid concerns over forced labor.
The U.S. Trade Representative announced plans to impose at least 10% extra tariffs on most trading partners following a forced-labor probe, signaling a broad shift in trade policy with potential higher costs for consumers and exporters and a looming reshaping of global supply chains.
The Trump administration proposed a 10% tariff on top trading partners including Canada and the European Union after a USTR probe found weak enforcement against goods made with forced labor; a 12.5% duty is planned for dozens of other countries with signed commitments, while the United Kingdom is noted for having a partial regime to prevent forced labor. The plan is part of a broader Section 301 review to reimpose tariffs, with written comments due by July 6 and public hearings on July 7.
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.”,
Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for masterminding a coercive scheme that forced adherents to perform sexual acts with investors and clients; she must forfeit $12 million, and seven victims will receive restitution. A second executive, Cherwitz, received six and a half years. Prosecutors described the scheme as using economic, psychological, and emotional abuse to control members, while Daedone’s defense urged leniency and appeals.”,
Nicole Daedone, founder of OneTaste, was sentenced in a Brooklyn federal court to nine years in prison for her role in a forced-labor scheme tied to the organization.
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated 60 Section 301(b) investigations to determine whether 60 economies failed to prohibit or effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labor, assessing if their acts are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce. USTR will seek consultations, hold hearings on April 28, 2026, and accept written comments by April 15, 2026. The economies under review include major partners such as Canada, the European Union, China, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Vietnam, among others.
The United States opened new Section 301(b) trade probes into roughly 60 economies to assess whether governments failed to curb imports of goods made with forced labor. Targets include China, the European Union, India and Mexico, along with a broad list that also covers Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom. Findings could justify tariffs without congressional approval, signaling a renewed push on global trade practices amid ongoing U.S. trade-policy actions and ahead of high-level talks with China.