Proposes forced labor tariffs on imports from 70+ nations

The United States has proposed new tariffs on imports from dozens of major trading partners, citing failures to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering global trade. The announcement, made late Tuesday by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, follows investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The proposed duties are structured in two tiers. A 10 percent additional tariff would apply to imports from 16 economies that officials say are taking some steps or have made commitments to block forced labor, including Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Ecuador, Indonesia, and Pakistan. A higher rate of 12.5 percent is proposed for products from 54 other nations, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, and Vietnam. The USTR stated these economies were found to have failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition.

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said the failure of key trading partners to address forced labor creates an unlevel playing field for American workers. He stated that while some partners have taken initial steps, all must do more to ensure...