Why do experts and business groups criticize Trump's proposed tariffs on forced labor imports as ineffective?

Experts, business groups, and some human rights organizations argue the tariffs will do little to combat modern slavery and could even worsen conditions; Ram Ben Tzion stated the measure has 'very little or anything to do with forced labour' and is instead 'a new justification for trade tariffs,' while trade and human rights experts emphasized it fails to address systemic issues like child labor and abusive employment practices in global supply chains.

How does the EU's Forced Labour Regulation differ from the U.S. approach, according to the news?

The EU's Forced Labour Regulation—set to apply in December 2027—requires authorities to establish a 'substantiated concern' before acting and sets a higher evidentiary bar than U.S. rules; unlike the U.S. tariff-based approach, the EU framework covers products made with forced labour worldwide regardless of origin, applies to imports, goods sold within the EU, and EU exports, and is described by experts as 'structurally far more comprehensive' than the U.S. law, especially given existing national laws in Germany and France.

Trump Tariff Proposal on Forced Labor Imports Criticized as Ineffective

Jun 4, 2026

The Trump administration proposed new tariffs on 60 countries regarding forced labor, but experts warn the measure may be counterproductive compared to stricter EU regulations. Critics argue the policy targets trade volumes rather than exploitation severity, potentially hindering global supply chain compliance efforts.

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