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USTR Flags 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Import Gaps, Proposes New Tariffs

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The U.S. Trade Representative has concluded that 60 economies failed to properly ban or enforce restrictions on imports linked to forced labor, calling the practices harmful to fair global trade, the US Executive Office announced Tuesday.

Among the Southeast Asian countries named are the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Singapore. Taiwan is also included separately among the economies cited.

The findings are part of a broader review of many economies. Officials said the gaps create unfair competition by helping producers who use forced labor.

USTR has proposed additional tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on affected imports and is seeking public comments before finalizing any action, with hearings scheduled for July 2026.

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