The proposal, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, comes as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen its trade policy framework following a series of legal challenges to previous tariff measures.
According to a government filing released on Tuesday, the proposed duties would range between 10 and 12.5 percent and would be subject to a public consultation process before a final decision is reached.
The move follows investigations launched earlier this year into several major trading partners, including China, the European Union, Japan, and other economies. The investigations examined whether these countries had implemented and effectively enforced measures to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering their markets and affecting American commerce.
US officials said 54 economies failed to establish or adequately enforce import restrictions on products linked to forced labour practices. Among the countries listed were China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, six economies — including Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ecuador, and the European Union — were found to have existing prohibitions in place but were deemed ineffective in enforcing them.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the failure of key trading partners to tackle forced labour concerns creates unfair competition for American businesses and workers.
According to the USTR, the proposed measures are aimed at promoting fair trade practices while encouraging stronger compliance with international labour standards.
However, several products are expected to be exempt from the proposed tariffs. These include selected agricultural imports such as beef, coffee, and certain fruits and nuts, which officials say are critical to maintaining supply stability and consumer affordability.
The proposal is expected to generate significant debate among global trading partners, with analysts warning that the measures could further impact international trade relations if implemented.
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