USTR Proposes Section 301 Duties on Goods From Economies Failing to Enforce Forced-Labor Import Bans

USTR determined 60 economies failed to impose/enforce forced-labor import prohibitions and proposes additional Section 301 duties of 10% or 12.5%, plus a textile mechanism, with public comments requested.

What changed

Following 60 Section 301 investigations initiated March 12, 2026, USTR determined that 54 economies failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on importing goods made with forced labor, and 6 failed to effectively enforce such a prohibition. USTR found these failures unreasonable and burdensome to U.S. commerce.

Proposed action

USTR proposes additional duties on all products of the investigated economies (except items listed in Annex A):

10% for economies that impose a forced-labor import prohibition, have commitments via an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or maintain a partial regime blocking certain forced-labor goods.
12.5% for all other investigated economies.

A proposed textile mechanism would allow a set volume of apparel and textile imports from certain economies to enter at a reduced Section 301 rate.

What importers should do

These are proposed actions, not yet in effect. The specific list of covered economies, Annex A exclusions, HTS coverage, and effective dates are not finalized. Importers sourcing from affected economies should review exposure, monitor for the final determination, and consider submitting comments or participating in the public hearings.

Informational only — not customs advice. Classification and valuation decisions are the importer’s responsibility under 19 USC §1484. For declarations or binding rulings, consult a licensed customs broker.