The investigations, under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, will assess whether these economies' measures are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and whether they “burden or restrict US commerce”, USTR said.

Among others, countries under review include China, India, the EU, Japan, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Russia, the UK, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.

USTR ambassador Jamieson Greer said: “Despite the international consensus against forced labour, governments have failed to impose and effectively enforce measures banning goods produced with forced labour from entering their markets. For too long, American workers and firms have been forced to compete against foreign producers who may have an artificial cost advantage gained from the scourge of forced labour.

“These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts US workers and businesses.” 

Section 301 of the Trade Act provides authority for the USTR to address “unfair” foreign government practices that affect US trade.

The USTR said it has initiated investigations on the countries under Section 302(b), following advice from inter-agency committees and consultation with relevant advisory groups.

As part of the process, the USTR is required to seek consultations with the governments of the economies under investigation as part of the process. It has formally requested these discussions in relation to the ongoing inquiries. Hearings concerning these investigations are scheduled for 28 April 2026.

Interested parties must submit written comments and requests to appear at these hearings by 15 April 2026.

The investigations will focus on determining whether current foreign measures related to banning imports made with forced labour meet US standards or negatively affect American commerce.