On March 12, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the self-initiation of Section 301 investigations targeting 60 of the nation’s largest trading partners. These unprecedented probes are designed to determine whether the acts, policies, and practices of these economies regarding forced labor are unreasonable or discriminatory and subsequently burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
The investigations are grounded in Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the USTR to address unfair foreign practices that disadvantage American industries. Ambassador Greer highlighted a critical gap between international consensus and actual enforcement, noting that many governments have failed to effectively ban forced labor products from their markets. This failure grants foreign producers an “artificial cost advantage,” forcing American firms and workers to compete on an uneven playing field against what the Ambassador described as the “scourge of forced labor.”
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is the broad authority allowing the U.S. to act against unfair foreign trade practices. Section 301(b) is a specific sub-provision under this, focusing on “unreasonable or discriminatory” acts that burden U.S. commerce, often used for self-initiated investigations by the USTR.
The scope of these investigations is massive, encompassing 60 economies, including the European Union, China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom. Southeast Asia countries affected by the Act are Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. By examining these major trading partners, the USTR seeks to evaluate the global impact of inadequate enforcement measures on the domestic economy and determine whether sufficient steps have been taken to prohibit such abhorrent practices.
The process includes formal consultations between the USTR and the targeted governments. To ensure a comprehensive review, the USTR has invited public participation. Written comments and requests to appear at public hearings must be submitted by April 15, 2026.
A formal public hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, where testimony will be heard regarding how these foreign practices impact U.S. workers. This move signals a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s commitment to eradicating forced labor from global supply chains.
For the entire list, please visit USTR.
