Washington: United States has unveiled plans to impose new tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 trading partners, citing concerns that these countries have failed to adequately address the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
The move marks the second major tariff initiative by President Donald Trump’s administration since the US Supreme Court struck down many of his previous import duties earlier this year. According to the US Trade Department, the proposed measures are intended to protect American workers from what Washington describes as unfair global competition linked to forced labour practices.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said countries that allow goods produced with forced labour to enter their markets create an uneven playing field for American businesses and workers. Greer stated that, “American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field,” while announcing the findings of a government investigation launched in March.
Investigation findings
The investigation examined whether major US trading partners had taken sufficient action to prohibit imports linked to forced labour.
According to the report, 54 countries failed to establish or effectively enforce legal bans on goods produced wholly or partially through forced labour. Six others, Canada, the European Union, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan, were found to have failed in adequately enforcing existing prohibitions.
One of the main drivers of America’s trade deficit is foreign, unfair trade practices.
USTR is proposing tariffs to correct for one of the most pervasive unfair trade practices: foreign governments’ failure to prohibit the importation of goods made with forced labor. pic.twitter.com/o795O6to8A
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) June 3, 2026
Under the proposal, imports from Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malaysia and Taiwan would face a 10 percent tariff.
The remaining 45 countries, including China and India, would be subject to higher duties of 12.5 percent. The 60 affected economies account for nearly all goods imported into the United States.
International pushback
The announcement triggered swift reactions from several governments. The UK government defended its efforts to combat forced labour, saying it continues to strengthen supply chain oversight and prevent British businesses from becoming involved in human rights violations. Officials also confirmed ongoing discussions with the US administration regarding the issue.
China rejected the allegations outright. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said there is no so-called forced labour in China and accused Washington of using the issue for political purposes.
However, several international human rights organisations continue to allege that forced labour exists in China, particularly involving Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang region.
The European Commission also criticised the proposed tariffs, describing them as ‘unjustified’ while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining its trade agreement with the United States.
Human rights groups raise questions
While human rights organisations acknowledged concerns about forced labour in global supply chains, some questioned whether tariffs are the most effective solution.
Peter Frankental, Amnesty International’s business and human rights director, said trade measures can help address forced labour risks but should not replace stronger enforcement mechanisms, corporate accountability and mandatory human rights due diligence requirements.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner argued that existing British legislation does not go far enough in tackling forced labor in supply chains. The commissioner estimates that the UK imports around $26.84 billion (£20 billion) worth of goods each year that may have links to forced labour practices.
India sees move as negotiating pressure
Trade analysts in India suggested the tariff proposal could be part of broader US negotiating tactics rather than solely a labour rights initiative. Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative, argued that India should challenge the legal basis of the tariffs, saying the measures stretch the intended scope of Section 301 of US trade law.
Ajay Srivastava described the proposal as a pressure tactic that should remain separate from ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.
Tariffs yet to take effect
The proposed duties have not yet been implemented. The Trump administration must complete additional procedural steps before the tariffs can be enforced.
The announcement follows months of uncertainty surrounding US trade policy after the Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, imposed on numerous countries in April 2025, were unlawful.
Although Trump later introduced a temporary global tariff of 10 percent, with plans to raise it to 15 percent, the rate has remained unchanged. The temporary measure is scheduled to expire in July unless Congress approves an extension.
The latest proposal signals a renewed effort by the administration to use trade policy as a tool to address labour rights concerns, even as major trading partners challenge both its legal basis and effectiveness.
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