USTR proposes additional tariffs on certain nations, citing failure to impose or enforce ban on forced labor

The U.S. Trade Representative yesterday announced plans to impose additional tariffs on goods from certain nations that it said had lacked or failed to enforce a ban on goods produced with forced labor. The agency reached the conclusion following an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USTR proposed an additional 10% tariff on goods from nations it said had committed to imposing and enforcing a ban through an agreement on reciprocal trade or imposed a partial measure to prevent imports of certain forced labor goods. A 12.5% tariff was proposed for all other nations lacking or failing to enforce a ban. The USTR is accepting comments on the proposed tariffs until July 6 and will hold hearings on the proposals July 7.