The US authorities have proposed to impose additional duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 countries due to the failure to address the issue of imports of goods produced with forced labour. This initiative is a continuation of the Section 301 investigation aimed at combating unfair trade practices. In particular, the US provides for a mechanism of preferential duties for a certain volume of textile products.
- The United States initiates 10% or 12.5% duties on imports from 60 countries due to forced labour.
- The increased duties will affect the EU, Canada, Mexico, Bangladesh and other countries.
- A mechanism of preferential duties will be introduced for textile products with a limited volume.
Details of the US proposal on duties
The Office of the US Trade Representative has proposed new additional duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 countries due to their failure to comply with anti-forced labour requirements. Among the countries that will receive the 10% duty rate are Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Bangladesh, Argentina, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The remaining 45 countries will receive a duty of 12.5%. This decision is intended to correct the unequal conditions for American workers in the global market.
Impact on international trade and the political context
The US initiative comes on the back of the Supreme Court's cancellation of the of previous tariffs, imposed on certain imports. The introduction of new duties should restore protection of the US market from goods manufactured in violation of labour standards. At the same time, the US is proposing a textile mechanism that will allow a certain amount of textile imports at reduced rates, which indicates a desire to balance trade.
Further measures in the field of US trade policy
In addition to the forced labour duty, the US Trade Representative's office recently proposed a 25% duty on many Brazilian products due to digital trade violations. The results of another Section 301 investigation into overcapacity in 16 countries, including China, are also expected to be announced. These moves are part of a broader US strategy to protect its own market and maintain fair international trade.
