Global trade tensions could rise further after the United States proposed new Tariffs on dozens of economies, including Pakistan and India, over concerns related to forced labour in international supply chains.
The proposal is part of a broader effort by Washington to strengthen trade enforcement and reduce the flow of goods allegedly linked to forced labour. The plan remains under review and has not yet been finalized.
According to the proposal, the United States may impose Tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from around 60 economies. Officials say the move targets countries that have not effectively prevented the import of products connected to forced labour practices.
The proposal will go through a public consultation process before any final decision is made. Interested parties can submit comments until July 6. Public hearings are also expected after the deadline.
The latest action follows a series of investigations conducted by the administration into major trading partners, including China, the European Union, Japan, and several other countries. The investigations examined whether governments were effectively enforcing bans on imports produced through forced labour and whether such goods affected American trade interests.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) stated that more than 50 countries and economies failed to adequately implement and enforce restrictions on imports linked to forced labour. Countries named in the findings include China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, India, and several others.
Pakistan was among the countries identified as not effectively enforcing prohibitions on such imports. Canada, Indonesia, Mexico, Ecuador, and the European Union were also listed in the findings.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the results as concerning. He argued that weak enforcement allows forced-labour-linked products to remain in global supply chains, creating unfair competition for American workers and businesses.
The proposed Tariffs would not apply to all products. Certain goods, including coffee, beef, and selected fruits and nuts, would be exempt. Goods traded under North American trade agreements between Canada and Mexico would also receive exemptions, along with some textile and apparel products.
Forced labour remains a significant challenge in several developing countries, including Pakistan. Experts say the issue is particularly common in sectors such as brick kilns, agriculture, carpet weaving, and mining.
Many cases involve bonded labour, where workers and their families become trapped in long-term debt arrangements. Human rights groups have long called for stronger enforcement of existing laws to address the problem.
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For Pakistan, any future Tariffs could have implications for exports and trade relations with the United States. However, the proposal is still under review, and no final measures have been approved yet.
