Washington, Jun 03 (V7N) – The United States has proposed imposing additional import duties on products from 60 countries, including Bangladesh, citing inadequate measures to prevent trade in goods produced through forced labor.
The proposal was announced on Tuesday (June 2) by the Office of the United States Trade Representative under Section 301(b) of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, according to Reuters.
The U.S. Trade Representative's Office stated that the failure of key trading partners to effectively restrict imports linked to forced labor creates an uneven competitive environment for American workers and businesses.
Under the proposal, 54 economies—including Bangladesh, India, China, Japan, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Thailand—have been identified as lacking effective restrictions or enforcement mechanisms against imports of goods produced through forced labor.
Additionally, six countries, including Canada, Mexico and Pakistan, were cited for failing to adequately implement existing restrictions.
According to the proposed framework, countries that maintain partial trade arrangements with the United States could face an additional 10 percent tariff on exports to the U.S. market. Countries without such arrangements could be subject to an additional 12.5 percent tariff.
The proposal has not yet taken effect and remains under review. The USTR has invited written comments from stakeholders and interested parties until July 6 before making a final decision.
The proposal also includes a separate mechanism for apparel and textile imports. Under this system, a specified volume of goods may be allowed to enter the United States at a comparatively lower tariff rate. However, details regarding the quota system have not yet been finalized.
If implemented, the proposed measures could have significant implications for export-oriented economies, particularly those with large textile and garment sectors that rely heavily on access to the U.S. market.
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