Trump Administration Broadens Section 301 to Target Forced Labor Products

In a statement released Thursday, the Trump administration invoked Section 301 of the Trade Act to impose additional tariffs on countries that have failed to effectively block forced‑labor imports. The new measures affect 60 economies, with 10 percent duties for those that have adopted bans, such as India, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, and 12.5 percent for the rest, including China, Australia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. The policy also carves out exemptions for certain raw materials, critical domestic supply‑chain items, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and other products where tariffs could cause undue economic disruption. The administration argues the steps are essential to protect workers’ rights globally and to maintain a level playing field for American businesses.