U.S. Trade Representative Proposes Additional Tariffs on Countries Over Forced Labor Import Enforcement

The U.S. Trade Representative forced labor tariffs proposal could introduce additional import duties on dozens of trading partners following a determination made on June 2 under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. The determination concluded that multiple jurisdictions examined since March 12, 2026, had either failed to establish or effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. As a result, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has outlined a series of tariff measures targeting countries that it believes have not met enforcement expectations.

Countries Facing a 12.5% Additional Duty

Under the proposal, 54 countries and territories would become subject to a 12.5% additional import duty. According to the USTR, these jurisdictions failed to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of products made using forced labor. The proposal spans economies across multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, making it one of the broadest trade actions currently under consideration.

Countries Proposed for 12.5% Additional Tariff

The complete list also includes the Bahamas, Bahrain, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Countries Facing a 10% Additional Duty

The USTR proposal also identifies six jurisdictions that would face a lower 10% additional tariff. In these cases, the determination states that the countries failed to effectively enforce prohibitions on imports produced with forced labor rather than failing both to impose and enforce such restrictions.

Countries Proposed for 10% Additional Tariff

The proposed measures remain subject to a public review process. Interested stakeholders have been invited to submit written comments regarding the planned actions. These comments may address the proposed tariff levels, implementation considerations, and the broader implications for international trade and supply chains.

Public Consultation and Hearing Timeline

As outlined in the Federal Register notice, written comments on the proposed tariffs must be submitted by July 6, 2026. The USTR is scheduled to conduct public hearings on July 7, 2026, providing an opportunity for businesses, industry associations, trade experts, and other stakeholders to present their views before any final determination is made.

Background on Recent U.S. Tariff Actions

The latest proposal follows an earlier trade measure introduced by the Trump administration on February 24. At that time, a 10% global tariff was implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure replaced previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) after those tariffs were ruled unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Section 122 permits only temporary implementation, limiting such actions to a maximum duration of 150 days.

The proposed Section 301 tariffs represent a separate trade action focused specifically on forced labor enforcement concerns. If finalized, the measures could affect import costs, sourcing decisions, and trade relationships involving a large number of countries across global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the U.S. Trade Representative proposing these additional tariffs?
The U.S. Trade Representative determined that several countries did not adequately prohibit or enforce restrictions on imports produced with forced labor. Based on that determination under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, the agency proposed additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5%. The objective is to address concerns related to forced labor practices in international trade and encourage stronger enforcement measures among affected countries and regions before any final trade action is implemented.

When will the proposed tariffs be finalized?
The tariffs have not yet been finalized and remain under review. The USTR has opened a public comment period that runs until July 6, 2026, and public hearings are scheduled for July 7, 2026. Feedback from businesses, trade organizations, industry groups, and other stakeholders will be considered before the agency decides whether to proceed with, modify, or withdraw the proposed measures. Final implementation details will depend on the outcome of this consultation process.