Washington launches sweeping Section 301 investigation to examine whether countries have failed to block goods produced through forced labour from entering their markets
The United States has launched a wide-ranging trade investigation into 60 economies including India to assess whether they have effectively prevented the import of goods produced using forced labour. The probe, announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative, seeks to determine if gaps in enforcement by trading partners are allowing such products to enter global supply chains and affect American businesses.
The investigation will be carried out under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a mechanism Washington uses to address trade practices it considers unfair or harmful to US commerce. Officials say the review will examine whether countries have implemented and enforced laws banning imports linked to forced labour and what impact their failure to do so may have on US industries.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the move reflects concerns that many governments have not taken adequate measures to keep forced-labour goods out of their markets despite global consensus on the issue.
The list of economies under scrutiny spans major US partners and rivals alike, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam and members of the European Union.
The findings could lead to new trade measures or penalties, with Washington aiming to complete the investigation and consider remedies before temporary tariffs imposed earlier this year expire in July.
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