Responding to the news that the US government has launched Section 301 investigations against dozens of countries, including the UK, over forced labour, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“It was only a matter of time before the UK came under the radar of the US Administration’s analysis of key trading partners for new tariffs from July.
“So the announcement of the section 301 investigation into forced labour imports of 60 countries or blocs including the UK, comes as no surprise. Other section 301 investigations may be launched which also impact upon the UK, for example on digital trade and digital services taxes.
“The Government’s Responsible Business Conduct Review, which is about to close, may well lead to enhanced enforcement practices and rules outlawing forced labour from UK supply chains. We hope the US Administration will recognise the potency of such measures in achieving its common aims on supply chains, and not increase tariffs on UK goods, avoiding losses to US consumers and businesses.”