The United States opened trade investigations against Guatemala and 59 other countries considering that their policies may not effectively prevent the importation of products made with forced labor.
The measure was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)which initiated the processes based on the section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974a standard used by Washington to evaluate foreign practices that may harm or restrict American trade.
The investigations will determine whether the acts, policies and practices of these countries—related to the failure to effectively impose and enforce a ban on the importation of goods produced with forced labor—are unreasonable or discriminatory and affect U.S. commerce.
Among the countries included is Guatemalaalong with other commercial partners from America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greerstated, in an official publication, that the investigations seek to establish whether governments have taken sufficient measures to prevent the entry into their markets of products made with forced labor.
“Despite the international consensus against forced labor, governments have failed to effectively impose and enforce measures prohibiting the entry into their markets of products made with forced labor,” Greer stated.
He added that for years American workers and businesses have had to compete with foreign producers who could benefit from artificially low costs resulting from the use of forced labor.
According to the USTR, when investigations begin, consultations with the governments involved to analyze trade policies related to this topic.
In addition, the organization is expected to celebrate public hearings on April 28, 2026in which interested parties may present comments or testimonies about the investigations.
Countries subject to investigations
- Algeria
- Angola
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chili
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- European Union
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Taste
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Swiss
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
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