US begins forced labour probe into Bangladesh, 60 countries

The United States has began an investigation into 60 countries, including Bangladesh, to examine the use of forced labour in goods production and assess whether effective measures are being taken to prevent such imports.

The US Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed this information in a statement issued on Thursday (March 12).

The probe, conducted under Section 301(b) of the 1974 US Trade Act, will evaluate how effectively these countries have restricted imports of products made with forced labour and the impact of such practices on US trade.

USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer said, “Many governments have failed to take adequate steps to limit the entry of goods produced with forced labour. This investigation will determine whether foreign governments are taking sufficient action and how these unethical practices affect American workers and businesses.”

The countries under investigation include Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, European Union, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Formal consultations with the affected countries have begun. A public hearing is scheduled for April 28, and written submissions from interested parties must be submitted by April 15.