US Launches Section 301 Investigations into Forced Labor Practices in 60 Economies
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated investigations into the trade practices of 60 economies concerning the failure to effectively ban goods produced with forced labor. The investigations, launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aim to determine whether these practices burden or restrict U.S. Commerce.
Section 301: A Tool for Trade Enforcement
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the President to take action against foreign governments that violate international trade agreements or engage in unfair trade practices. As detailed by the Congressional Research Service, this can include imposing tariffs or other import restrictions. The USTR can initiate these investigations independently or in response to petitions from U.S. Firms or industry groups.
Focus on Forced Labor
This latest action specifically targets countries perceived as failing to adequately prohibit the importation of goods made with forced labor. Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that American workers and firms have been unfairly competing with producers who benefit from the cost advantages created by forced labor. The investigations will assess the extent to which these practices impact U.S. Workers and businesses.
Economies Under Investigation
The following economies are subject to the Section 301 investigations:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China, People’s Republic of
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- European Union
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Next Steps and Public Input
The USTR will now consult with the economies under investigation and will hold public hearings on April 28, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to submit written comments and requests to appear at the hearing by April 15, 2026. Further details and access to relevant dockets are available on the USTR website.
Background on Section 301
As outlined by the USTR, Section 301 is a key mechanism for addressing unfair foreign practices that negatively affect U.S. Commerce. The law allows the USTR to respond to unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory practices implemented by foreign governments.
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