Bangladesh is among 60 economies that could face new US tariffs after Washington concluded that their measures to prevent the importation of goods produced with forced labour are inadequate.
The proposal was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following investigations conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The investigations examined whether countries had imposed and effectively enforced restrictions on goods linked to forced labour practices.
According to the USTR, Bangladesh is one of 54 economies found to have failed both to establish and enforce effective prohibitions on imports produced through forced labour. The agency argues that such shortcomings distort international competition and place American businesses and workers at a disadvantage.
US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said the United States can no longer tolerate trade conditions that allow products linked to forced labour to compete unfairly in global markets. He noted that while some countries have taken initial steps to address the issue, further action is required to ensure that international trade does not encourage exploitative labour practices.
As part of the proposed response, the USTR has recommended additional duties on imports from the affected economies. Countries that have introduced some form of forced-labour import restrictions or have committed to doing so under trade agreements could face an additional 10 per cent tariff. For all other economies, the proposed duty would be 12.5 per cent.
The proposal remains subject to public consultation. Interested parties have until 22 June to request participation in public hearings, while written submissions will be accepted until 6 July. Formal hearings are scheduled for 7 July.
The USTR's investigations, launched in March 2026, included testimony from nearly 60 witnesses and consideration of around 500 public comments and rebuttals. Officials argue that inadequate enforcement of forced-labour restrictions undermines global efforts to eliminate forced labour, distorts market conditions, and allows unfair competition in both US and international markets.
The proposed measures have not yet been finalised, and the consultation process will help determine the scope and implementation of any future tariffs.
