The United States has launched a wide-ranging trade investigation into 60 countries and economies over alleged failures to address forced labor in supply chains.

The probe was announced by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Officials said the investigation will examine whether foreign governments have taken adequate steps to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labor.

The investigation will also assess how these practices affect U.S. workers and businesses. Officials said the process could eventually lead to trade measures against countries that fail to address the issue.

⚖️ Section 301 Investigation Targets Major Trading Partners

The investigation falls under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, a law that allows the United States to investigate unfair trade practices.

The list of countries includes several major U.S. trading partners and allies. Among them are Canada, the European Union, Britain, Australia, Israel, India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. China and Russia are also included in the probe.

Officials said the review will determine whether these governments have taken sufficient action to prohibit imports produced using forced labor.

📊 Probe Comes After Court Ruling on Tariffs

The investigation also comes after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in February that struck down some global tariffs imposed earlier by the Trump administration.

In response, the administration imposed a temporary 10% tariff lasting 150 days under another provision of the Trade Act. Officials said the new investigations could help justify further trade actions once those tariffs expire.

Meanwhile, the administration has launched additional trade investigations into industrial overcapacity in 16 trading partners, indicating a broader effort to reshape U.S. trade policy.

🌐 Focus on Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains

U.S. officials said the investigation aims to address forced labor in international supply chains.

The United States has already taken action against certain imports linked to forced labor. For example, the government restricted goods from China’s Xinjiang region under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which was signed into law by former President Joe Biden.

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the probe will examine whether countries have introduced policies to prevent such practices.

📅 Investigations Expected to Conclude This Year

Officials said the investigations could conclude before July 2026, when the temporary tariffs are scheduled to expire.

At that stage, the U.S. government may recommend additional trade measures depending on the results of the investigation.

The review therefore represents one of the most extensive trade probes in recent years, covering a wide range of economies across the global trading system.