Trade bodies challenge US forced labour tariffs

WASHINGTON DC — The American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Fair Labor Association have urged the US Trade Representative to rethink proposed Section 301 tariffs linked to forced labour import bans, warning of “direct harm” to already compliant apparel and footwear supply chains.

In a joint public comment submitted this week to Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the two associations argue that the plan to levy additional duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies risks raising landed costs, disrupting supply chains and hurting US businesses, workers and consumers.