A US trade hearing examined proposals for new tariffs on imports linked to forced labour, with a focus on China. Participants debated whether higher duties would improve worker conditions or simply increase costs. The three-day session forms part of a broader Section 301 investigation.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative held the second day of public hearings on Wednesday in Washington. Officials are considering tariffs of 10 to 12.5 per cent on goods from 60 economies that Washington says have failed to block forced-labour products from supply chains.
Qiang Li, founder of China Labor Watch, told the panel that China should face a higher rate than other countries. “If a country gets better, its rate should go down,” he said. Li described excessive overtime, weak workplace protections and limited insurance access for many Chinese workers.
Business groups and labour advocates presented opposing views on whether the tariffs would help workers or raise consumer prices. The hearings are scheduled to conclude on Thursday.
