Story perspectives

USTR Proposes 10-12% Tariffs on Vietnam Over Forced Labor

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on June 2 a proposal to impose 10%-12.5% tariffs on goods from Vietnam and 59 other economies over alleged forced-labor shortcomings.
Pham Thu Hang said USTR’s forced-labor findings do not reflect Vietnam and affirmed the country’s policy, written into law and enforced.
Vietnam, which has ratified international conventions and provided data to U.S. investigators, will maintain constructive dialogue with the United States to resolve trade differences.

History

Historical Context

The 1930 Tariff Act, signed by President Hoover, barred imports made with forced or convict labor and covered over 20,000 goods. Section 307 gave the Labor Department enforcement power, and the 2016 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act eliminated the consumptive-demand exemption. On June 2 the USTR proposed 10-12.5% tariffs on Vietnam and 59 other economies, prompting talks with officials such as Pham Thu Hang about labor-linked trade rules.

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Story summary

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on June 2 a proposal to impose 10%-12.5% tariffs on goods from Vietnam and 59 other economies over alleged forced-labor shortcomings.
Pham Thu Hang said USTR’s forced-labor findings do not reflect Vietnam and affirmed the country’s policy, written into law and enforced.
Vietnam, which has ratified international conventions and provided data to U.S. investigators, will maintain constructive dialogue with the United States to resolve trade differences.

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