Story perspectives

USTR Holds Hearing on Forced-Labor Tariffs, Targets Solar, Cotton, Seafood

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opened a two-day hearing in Washington to consider trade measures against forced-labor imports.
The Section 301 probe of 60 countries for forced-labor enforcement failures is due by July.
Pro-tariff advocates suggested import licensing and quotas for solar, cotton and seafood to block forced-labor subsidies.
Industry groups warned tariffs would hurt U.S. businesses, while human-rights groups called for comparable bans on other partners.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opened a two-day hearing in Washington to consider trade measures against forced-labor imports.
The Section 301 probe of 60 countries for forced-labor enforcement failures is due by July.
Pro-tariff advocates suggested import licensing and quotas for solar, cotton and seafood to block forced-labor subsidies.
Industry groups warned tariffs would hurt U.S. businesses, while human-rights groups called for comparable bans on other partners.