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US proposes new tariffs on goods made with forced labor
🇸🇰 Slovakia /Economy & Trade

US proposes new tariffs on goods made with forced labor

From SME · () Slovak

Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The US administration is proposing tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on products from dozens of countries.
  • These tariffs target goods where forced labor is allegedly used in production.
  • The proposal is subject to public comment and an approval process, with some exemptions included.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed imposing tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on products from dozens of countries. This action follows an investigation into imported goods where forced labor was allegedly utilized in their manufacturing.

The U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) stated in a report that additional 10% tariffs would apply to Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Tariffs of 12.5% are slated for China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, and Switzerland, among other nations. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that the failure of key trading partners to address imports of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable, creating an uneven playing field for American workers.

The failure of our most important trading partners to address imports of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable. It creates a situation where American workers are forced to compete globally on an uneven playing field.

— Jamieson GreerTrade Representative Jamieson Greer explained the rationale behind the proposed tariffs.

According to the USTR, 54 economies have not adopted and effectively enforced bans on imports of goods produced by forced labor. This group includes China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, six economies, Canada, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, and the European Union, were assessed as not adequately enforcing such prohibitions. Greer urged all trading partners to do more to ensure trade does not indirectly support forced labor globally.

The proposed tariffs do include various exemptions, such as for beef, coffee, and certain fruits and nuts. Goods from Canada and Mexico that meet the criteria of the North American trade agreement will also be exempt, as will some textiles and apparel. These new tariffs are not immediately effective and are subject to public comment and an approval process. The investigation was conducted under the Trade Act of 1974, a strategy that could allow Trump to bypass Supreme Court limitations on his tariff policies.

Every one of our trading partners must do more to ensure that trade does not continue to indirectly support forced labor around the world.

— Jamieson GreerGreer called for greater action from international partners to combat forced labor in trade.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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