US probes trade partners over forced-labor goods

The United States (US) has launched an investigation into the Philippines and 59 other major trading partners over allegations that they have failed to effectively ban the importation of goods produced through forced labor.

- DEXTER BARRO II

In a statement, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said it is initiating a wide-ranging Section 301 (b) investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies.

Under this law, the USTR is authorized to launch investigations to determine whether a foreign country’s trade policies are unreasonable or discriminatory, which could restrict US commerce.

Ending forced labor is a major priority for the US, with recent negotiations involving reciprocal tariff agreements invoking the initiative as a mandatory provision.

The USTR, however, noted that none of the 60 identified economies have yet to adopt or effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition.

“Although a majority of countries prohibit forced labor as a matter of law within their jurisdiction, such prohibitions are insufficient to prevent firms from profiting from forced labor,” the agency said.