Finance
US opens unfair trade practices probe of 60 countries over forced labor
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 13, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
The USTR has launched Section 301 investigations into around 60 countries for failing to act against forced labor, following the Supreme Court’s invalidation of global tariffs. The probe may lead to new import restrictions and shifts in trade policy.
US Opens Probes Into 60 Countries Over Forced Labor in Trade Practices
US Trade Representative Launches Section 301 Investigations
By Kanishka Singh
Background and Context
WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Trade Representative's office said late on Thursday it had begun Section 301 unfair trade practices probes of 60 economies in relation to what it called failures to take action on forced labor.
President Donald Trump's administration has sought to rebuild tariff pressure on countries around the world after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his global tariffs as illegal on February 20.
Purpose of the Investigations
"These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts U.S. workers and businesses," U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement.
Countries and Regions Under Investigation
The list of 60 countries includes some major U.S. trade partners and allies such as Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain, Israel, India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. China and Russia are also on the list.
Recent Tariff Actions and Related Trade Measures
Trump imposed a 10% tariff for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court's ruling. On Wednesday, his administration said it was launching trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners.
Previous Forced Labor Enforcement
The U.S. has already cracked down on solar panels and other goods from China's Xinjiang region under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden.
International Enforcement and Allegations
Greer said he wanted other countries to enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor similar to those enshrined in a nearly century-old trade law.
The U.S. alleges that Chinese authorities have established labor camps for ethnic Uyghur and other Muslim groups. Beijing denies allegations of abuse.
Next Steps and Timeline
Greer said he hoped to conclude the Section 301 investigations, including proposed remedies, before Trump's temporary tariffs expire in July.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Ismail Shakil and Kate Mayberry)
Key Takeaways
- •USTR opened Section 301 probes targeting forced‑labor practices in about 60 economies, including key allies and rivals like China, EU, India, and Saudi Arabia, to evaluate whether those countries have laws banning imports produced with forced labor.
- •This move follows the February 20 Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump’s global tariffs, prompting reliance on Section 301 mechanisms to enforce trade fairness. The probes may yield tariffs or other measures by July.
- •The initiative builds on existing U.S. efforts—including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act—and expands the use of trade tools to combat forced labor worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about US opens unfair trade practices probe of 60 countries over forced labor
1What is the US investigating in the Section 301 trade probes?
The US is investigating whether 60 economies have taken adequate action to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
2Which countries are included in the US forced labor trade investigation?
The 60 countries include major US trade partners such as Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain, Israel, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia.
3Why did the US impose new tariffs after the Supreme Court ruling?
After the Supreme Court struck down previous global tariffs, the Trump administration imposed a temporary 10% tariff under the Trade Act of 1974.
4How is the US addressing allegations of forced labor in China?
The US has cracked down on goods from China's Xinjiang region under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, banning imports linked to forced labor.
5When will the Section 301 investigations and remedies be completed?
The US aims to conclude the Section 301 investigations and propose remedies before the temporary tariffs expire in July.
