The United States has announced plans to impose new tariffs on dozens of trading partners over concerns that they have not done enough to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering global supply chains.
The proposed US Forced Labour Tariffs would apply to 60 countries and trading blocs that account for the vast majority of imports entering the American market. The measures include import duties ranging from 10% to 12.5%.
The announcement marks the second major tariff initiative from President Donald Trump’s administration since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down several earlier trade measures in February.
According to the U.S. Trade Department, the tariffs are intended to address concerns that some countries have failed to adequately prohibit or prevent the importation of goods linked to forced labour practices.
Officials argue that such imports create unfair competition for American workers and businesses.
Countries Face Different Tariff Levels
Under the proposal, a group of countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Taiwan, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, Indonesia, and Pakistan would face tariffs of 10%.
A higher tariff rate of 12.5% would apply to the remaining 45 countries on the list, including China and India.
The tariffs have not yet taken effect. The U.S. government must complete additional legal and administrative procedures before enforcement can begin.
The proposed measures follow an investigation launched in March by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The investigation examined whether major trading partners had established and enforced laws preventing the importation of goods produced wholly or partially through forced labour.
Investigation Findings Drive Proposal
The report concluded that 54 countries failed to establish or effectively implement legal prohibitions against importing products linked to forced labour.
It also found that six trading partners — Canada, the European Union, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan — had regulations in place but were not enforcing them effectively.
Greer stated that forced labour creates unfair conditions in global trade by allowing producers to lower costs through exploitative practices.
According to U.S. officials, this places American workers at a competitive disadvantage.
International Reactions Emerge
Several governments responded quickly to the announcement.
A spokesperson for the UK government said Britain is actively working to address forced labour risks both domestically and within international supply chains.
The spokesperson added that British officials continue to engage with the U.S. administration and have outlined the measures already being taken to improve supply chain oversight.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, said the tariffs were not unexpected and suggested that most Canadian exports to the United States would not be significantly affected.
The European Commission criticized the proposal, describing the tariffs as unjustified while reaffirming support for existing trade agreements with Washington.
China Rejects Allegations
China strongly opposed the proposed tariffs and denied accusations that goods produced through forced labour are entering international markets.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing rejects the use of forced labour allegations as a justification for trade restrictions.
However, several international human rights organizations have continued to raise concerns about labour conditions in parts of China, particularly in the Xinjiang region.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement measures and greater transparency in global supply chains.
Experts Question Effectiveness
While many advocacy organizations support efforts to combat forced labour, some experts questioned whether tariffs alone are the best solution.
Human rights advocates argue that trade restrictions should be combined with stronger corporate accountability, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and mandatory supply chain monitoring.
The UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has previously stated that current British legislation does not go far enough to eliminate forced labour risks from supply chains.
Estimates suggest the UK imports billions of pounds worth of goods annually that may have links to forced labour practices somewhere in their production process.
Trade Talks Could Be Affected
The proposal could also influence ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and several major economies.
Indian trade experts suggested the move may be part of broader negotiating pressure from Washington rather than solely a labour rights initiative.
Some analysts believe affected countries may challenge the legal basis of the tariffs under international trade rules.
The US Forced Labour Tariffs now enter a review and implementation process that could take several months. If enacted, the measures would represent one of the most significant trade actions undertaken by the Trump administration since earlier tariff policies were challenged in court.
As governments, businesses, and trade groups evaluate the potential impact, the proposal is expected to remain a major topic in global trade discussions throughout the coming months.
