The proposed tariffs on 60 economies over so-called "forced labor" claims by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has drawn sharp criticism from the international community and experts who call the move baseless and a threat to global trade rules. 

The USTR released its findings from Section 301 investigations into 60 economies on June 2, 2026, claiming that they had failed to impose or effectively enforce prohibitions on imports of goods produced with so-called "forced labor". Consequently, the USTR is proposing additional tariffs of 10% on 15 economies and 12.5% on 45 economies.

EU: A deal is a deal

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic expressed surprise that EU countries were targeted given their high labor standards, but emphasized that both sides have agreed to uphold the 15% tariff cap agreed in the Turnberry deal. "I believe that the European parliamentarians will approve the Turnberry agreement with the US. A deal is a deal," he said. The EU is working to introduce a bloc-wide ban on all products involving forced labor by December 2027.

Vietnam: US findings do not accurately reflect reality

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang rejected the USTR's conclusions, stating that they "do not accurately reflect the reality and Vietnam's efforts in preventing and mitigating forced labor." She affirmed that Vietnam's consistent policy is to strictly prohibit all forms of forced labor and to strictly comply with International Labour Organization regulations and free trade agreements.

Australia: US tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared US tariffs on Australia as "unjustified and inconsistent," stating that "Australia has robust, comprehensive, and world-leading legislation addressing forced labor and modern slavery". Former Australian treasurer and ambassador to the US Joe Hockey publicly criticized the proposed measures, stating that they lack "a legitimate basis" and that it is unreasonable for the US to impose such measures on allies. He added that Donald Trump remains convinced tariffs are beneficial to the US and noted that "the US is running out of money and needs to find new sources of revenue."

China: Opposes political manipulation under 'forced labor' pretext

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference that "there is no such thing as 'forced labor' in China, and we oppose using it as a pretext for political manipulation." She added that China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures, and that tariff wars and trade wars serve no one's interests.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference that China opposes all forms of unilateral restrictive measures, including trade restrictions imposed on China under the pretext of "forced labor". She urged the US to work with China to maintain the stability of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Trade expert warns of eroding trade cooperation

Wendy Cutler, a trade expert at the Brookings Institution and former US deputy assistant trade representative, has noted in previous analyses that the US is increasingly using Section 301 investigations to address non-traditional trade issues, a practice that could further expand trade frictions and increase uncertainty for global trading partners. She cautioned that large-scale Section 301 investigations could erode the foundation of trade cooperation between the US and its allies.

The USTR is scheduled to hold a public hearing on July 7. Following the hearing, it will determine whether to proceed with the proposed additional tariffs.