WASHINGTON – Federal trade officials announced Thursday evening they have begun investigating 60 nations worldwide for alleged failures to address forced labor practices within their borders.
The investigations, launched under Section 301 trade law provisions, will examine whether foreign governments have adequately blocked imports of products manufactured using forced labor, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
“These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts U.S. workers and businesses,” stated U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The wide-ranging probe represents a significant escalation in American efforts to combat what officials describe as unacceptable labor practices that harm both international workers and domestic economic interests.
