U.S. Trade Representative Investigates Global Forced Labor Practices

The U.S. Trade Representative's office announced it will conduct public hearings next week to scrutinize ongoing Section 301 investigations into countries accused of enabling forced labor imports. These hearings are scheduled for April 28-29 at the U.S. International Trade Commission headquarters in Washington.

Consisting of 60 witnesses and 12 panels, the hearings will involve advocacy groups, human rights organizations, U.S. industry representatives, and foreign government officials. The investigations launched on March 12 are targeting around 60 countries allegedly failing to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labor.

Among those under scrutiny are major U.S. trade partners like Australia, Canada, the EU, and India. This move follows President Trump's plan to restore tariff pressures post a Supreme Court ruling against global tariffs. The section 301 probes are set to conclude, including potential remedies, before Trump's temporary tariffs end in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)