The United States has proposed new tariffs on imports from Bangladesh and 59 other economies following a determination that their efforts to prevent trade in goods produced with forced labour are insufficient.
The proposal was announced on 2nd June by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) after concluding Section 301 investigations launched in March 2026. The investigations assessed whether major US trading partners had established and effectively enforced prohibitions on the importation of goods made with forced labour.
Bangladesh is among 54 economies found to have failed to impose and effectively enforce restrictions on imports produced through forced labour. Other economies identified include China, India, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Türkiye and South Korea.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the continued importation of goods produced with forced labour creates unfair competition for American workers and businesses. According to the USTR, Greer said that the failure of key trading partners to address the issue was unacceptable and undermined fair trade practices.
Under the proposed framework, economies that maintain partial forced labour import restrictions or have reciprocal trade commitments or similar arrangements with the United States would face an additional tariff of 10%. Economies without such arrangements could be subject to an additional 12.5% duty on exports to the US market.
The proposed measures have not yet been finalised. The USTR has initiated a public consultation process and invited comments from stakeholders. Written submissions will be accepted until 6th July 2026, while public hearings are scheduled to commence on 7th July.
In a development of particular relevance to the textile and apparel industry, the USTR has also proposed a separate textile mechanism. Under the proposal, a specified volume of textile and apparel imports from selected economies could enter the United States at reduced Section 301 tariff rates. However, details regarding eligibility requirements, quota allocations and implementation timelines have yet to be announced.
The USTR stated that the proposed tariff measures are intended to encourage trading partners to strengthen enforcement against forced labour and promote a more level competitive environment for US manufacturers and workers.
The final outcome will depend on the consultation process and public hearings, meaning the proposed tariff structure could be modified before any formal implementation takes place.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
