ports

US stands firm on forced labour tariffs despite EU pushback

The US Trade Representative rejected European Union objections to newly announced tariffs targeting countries with inadequate forced labour protections. USTR Jamieson Greer defended the 10-12.5% duties, saying the measures align with the Turnberry Agreement signed last year between Washington and Brussels. The tariffs apply to all goods from countries failing to introduce or enforce legislation prohibiting trade in forced labour products. Australia and the UK face the highest rate at 12.5%, joining 52 other nations including China, Japan and India on the enforcement list. The EU and five additional countries—Canada, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan—were cited for introducing but potentially under-enforcing regulations. Greer stated the US remains committed to addressing problematic trading practices identified in its investigation while respecting prior agreements.