On 12 March 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of 60 investigations under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 to examine whether foreign governments have failed to adequately prohibit and enforce bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations cover 60 major U.S. trading partners, reflecting a broad review of government measures addressing forced labor in global supply chains.
The investigations will assess whether the acts, policies, or practices of the targeted economies relating to forced labor are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Specifically, the USTR will evaluate whether governments have implemented effective legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the entry of goods produced wholly or in part through forced labor into their markets.
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the United States to investigate and respond to foreign practices that adversely affect U.S. trade, including through tariffs or other trade measures if the practices are determined to be unjustifiable or discriminatory. The investigations were self-initiated by the USTR pursuant to Section 302(b) following consultations with the interagency Section 301 Committee and relevant advisory bodies.
As part of the investigative process, the USTR will collect stakeholder input. A public comment period will remain open until 15 April 2026, and public hearings are scheduled to commence on 28 April 2026 at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. Interested parties may submit comments addressing whether the economies concerned maintain and effectively enforce prohibitions on forced-labor imports, as well as the potential impact of such practices on U.S. commerce.
For companies engaged in international trade with the United States, the investigations may lead to additional tariffs or import restrictions on products originating from economies found to have inadequate forced-labor enforcement regimes. Businesses should therefore closely monitor the investigation process and assess supply-chain exposure to jurisdictions subject to the review, particularly where goods may be linked to sectors or regions associated with forced labor risks.
Please refer to the official press release from the USTR: