US imposes tariffs on dozens of trade partners over 'forced labour' imports. Image source, Getty ImagesByMichael Race, Francisco Velasquez, Reporting fromNew York and Jemma Crew, Business reportersPublishedThe US is imposing new tariffs on around 60 trading partners accounting for the vast majority of its imports over claims they failed to properly stop forced labour.
On Thursday, the Office of the US Trade Representative said the latest tariffs were being imposed on partners "for their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour".
Details
The office said Trump in his second term had made adoption of a ban on imports made with forced labour a "critical" part of reciprocal trade agreements with other nations.
Trading partners that have "made commitments to adopt, and effectively enforce" bans on forced labour imports will be subject to a 10% tariff, while those that have not will have the higher 12.5% rate, the office added.
It was last month that the White House first proposed a series of 10-12.5% duties on goods arriving to American shores from dozens of countries over concerns they were not doing enough to tackle forced labour.
Greer said in his statement he was "encouraged by the trading partners who have moved quickly to adopt forced labour import prohibitions, and look forward to ensuring their effective enforcement".
The new duties apply to the top 60 US trade partners covering 99.4% of US imports, it added, according to the latest reporting on the story.
The US trade representative is currently investigating 16 countries – accounting for the vast majority of US imports – over claims of manufacturing overcapacity, which could pave the way for additional duties later this year.
US announces new tariffs over forced labour concerns, in a development tied to the same story.
Separately, The president has also used the duties to press other countries, such as Mexico, on non-trade issues, like labour rules.
Statements
«Today's action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere,»
«for their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour»
Context
The Trump administration says it is hitting dozens of countries, including Canada, with tariffs citing forced labour in supply chains.
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Available information indicates that The president has also used the duties to press other countries, such as Mexico, on non-trade issues, like labour rules.
Available information indicates that The Trump administration says it is hitting dozens of countries, including Canada, with tariffs citing forced labour in supply chains.
