forced labour

The Trump administration is threatening to impose tariffs on goods from approximately 60 trading partners, including the UK, EU, and Australia. The rationale behind these potential tariffs is the alleged failure of these countries to adequately address forced labour in their import chains. The US argues that the use of forced labour in imported goods creates unfair competition for American workers. This policy is a revival of a signature trade strategy. The EU has already responded, expressing expectations that the US will honor existing trade agreements and stating that such 'stealth tariffs' violate the spirit of those agreements. The recent development highlights ongoing international tensions surrounding trade practices and human rights concerns, particularly the exploitation of labour in global supply chains.