US to slap fresh tariffs on imports from 60 countries over forced labour concerns

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed sweeping economic sanctions and new tariffs on imported goods from 60 countries in a broad effort to combat products made through forced labour. The move marks an escalation in America’s trade enforcement strategy, targeting nations that Washington says have failed to adequately prevent the use of forced labour in their manufacturing sectors.

The proposed tariffs represent a significant restriction on American imports, with the USTR citing evidence that the targeted countries have not done enough to stem the production and export of goods manufactured using coercive labour practices. The action is part of broader US efforts to leverage trade policy as a tool for enforcing labour standards globally.

The measure affects a diverse range of economies and will likely have ripple effects across multiple industries, from textiles and agriculture to manufacturing and technology. Countries found to have inadequate measures against forced labour will face higher import duties, potentially increasing prices for American consumers whilst pressuring foreign manufacturers to improve their labour practices.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.