Trump’s Forced Labour Tariff Plan Faces Criticism from Experts and Rights Groups

The Trump administration’s proposal to impose new tariffs on countries accused of failing to curb forced labour has drawn criticism from trade experts, business leaders, and human rights advocates, who argue the measure is unlikely to effectively combat modern slavery. The plan, introduced by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, would impose additional duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries and is part of a broader effort to restore tariffs previously struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Critics contend that the tariffs are more closely linked to trade policy than to addressing labour abuses. According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide are trapped in forced labour, with nearly half of all cases occurring in export-related sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, fishing, and mining. Experts argue that tariff measures based on trade volumes rather than the severity of labour violations are unlikely to create meaningful improvements in working conditions.

The proposal has also sparked debate over international efforts to tackle forced labour, particularly regarding the European Union’s upcoming Forced Labour Regulation. While the U.S. has criticized the EU framework as insufficient, legal and human rights specialists say the European measures could ultimately be broader and more comprehensive. Business groups and advocacy organizations warn that the new tariffs may create political resistance and disrupt global supply chains without delivering significant progress in the fight against modern slavery.

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