The Trump administration announced a new plan to impose tariffs on up to 60 trading partners, citing failures to enforce rules prohibiting the import of goods made with forced labor. The tariffs will be set at either 10% or 12.5%, depending on the level of enforcement by each country. Specifically, 54 countries, including major trading partners such as China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, were found to have failed to impose and enforce a forced labor ban. An additional six countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, were cited for failing to effectively enforce such bans [1].
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, "The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable," emphasizing the negative impact on American companies and workers. Greer further noted that while some partners have taken initial steps, more action is required to ensure that trade does not encourage forced labor [1].
Under the proposal, trading partners with a ban, a commitment to impose a ban, or a partial regime to prevent forced labor imports will face an additional 10% tariff. All other economies will be subject to a 12.5% tariff. The plan also includes a mechanism allowing certain volumes of imported apparel and textiles to enter the U.S. at a lower tariff rate, acknowledging the prevalence of forced labor in overseas cotton production, particularly from the Xinjiang region of China [1].
The USTR report highlighted the challenges of tracing supply chains, noting that nearly all 60 countries under investigation imported cotton from China in 2021 and 2025. The complexity of supply chain tracing makes it difficult for consumers and apparel companies to identify the true origin of raw materials, especially when garments are produced by third-party economies [1].
Federal laws, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, already ban the importation of cotton made with forced labor into the U.S. The new tariffs are positioned as an enforcement mechanism to address ongoing concerns about forced labor in global supply chains [1].
CONCLUSION
The Trump administration's announcement of new tariffs on 60 trading partners marks a significant escalation in efforts to combat forced labor in global supply chains. With tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5%, the move is expected to have a high market impact, particularly for countries heavily involved in textile and apparel exports to the U.S. The policy underscores the administration's commitment to leveling the playing field for American workers and increasing pressure on trading partners to enforce forced labor bans.