US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on local time that Section 301 measures related to forced labor are expected 'soon.' Speaking in a CNBC interview, Greer addressed questions about additional tariffs by referencing the ongoing Section 301 investigation into forced labor practices. The statement comes as the current 10% global tariff, implemented during the investigation period, approaches its expiration on the 24th. The Trump administration must impose replacement tariffs before the deadline following the US Supreme Court's ruling in February that declared reciprocal tariffs unlawful. USTR has been investigating countries under Section 301 authority since March on two grounds: overproduction and forced labor.
USTR Announces Imminent Section 301 Forced Labor Measures
When asked about additional tariffs during the CNBC interview, Greer clarified that he was referring to the Section 301 investigation related to forced labor. He stated that the administration expects related measures to be announced soon but declined to provide a specific timeline. Greer explained that USTR has a responsibility to brief Congress and other stakeholders before publicly disclosing such measures. He emphasized the statement by repeating that related actions are expected soon.
The US Trade Representative's Office launched the Section 301 investigation in March, examining countries under two categories: overproduction and forced labor. The investigation serves as a follow-up measure after the US Supreme Court ruled reciprocal tariffs unlawful in February. The 10% global tariff implemented during the investigation period is set to expire on the 24th, requiring the Trump administration to impose replacement tariffs before the deadline.
Investigation Targets 60 Countries Covering 99% of US Trade
When asked to confirm reports that the measures would be far more extensive than targeting just a few countries, Greer stated that the action targets 60 countries and covers approximately 99% of total US trade. He described this scope as demonstrating the scale of the problem the administration faces.
Greer explained that the United States has long maintained laws prohibiting the import of goods produced wholly or in part through forced labor and has strictly enforced these regulations. He noted that the broad targeting of 60 countries reflects the widespread global existence of forced labor issues.
Greer Criticizes International Forced Labor Enforcement
Greer criticized other countries for inadequate forced labor enforcement, stating that most nations lack such laws, and those with laws do not properly enforce them. He specifically addressed the European Union's forced labor legislation, stating that while the EU claims to have forced labor-related laws, these laws will not take effect until a year and a half from now even if the claim is accurate.
The USTR representative emphasized that according to the provisions of the EU's own legislation, the law is not currently in force. Greer reiterated that the targeting of 60 countries in the upcoming measures reflects the extensive global prevalence of forced labor problems.
FAQ
What did US Trade Representative Greer announce about Section 301 measures?
Greer announced on local time during a CNBC interview that Section 301 measures related to forced labor are expected soon. He declined to provide a specific timeline but confirmed the administration expects related actions in the near term.
How many countries will the Section 301 forced labor measures target?
The measures will target 60 countries and cover approximately 99% of total US trade, according to Greer's statement during the interview.
Why is USTR implementing new tariff measures before the 24th?
The current 10% global tariff expires on the 24th. Following the US Supreme Court's February ruling that declared reciprocal tariffs unlawful, the Trump administration must impose replacement tariffs before the expiration deadline. USTR has been conducting Section 301 investigations into forced labor and overproduction since March as the legal basis for the replacement measures.
