New US trade offensive: Trump administration targets 60 countries over forced labor allegations

The United States under President Donald Trump's administration has initiated a wide-ranging investigation into unfair trade practices, covering 60 countries and territories. The proceedings focus on allegations concerning the use of forced labor, which is intended to serve as the basis for restoring strong tariff pressure. These actions are the responsibility of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by Jamieson Greer. Washington aims in this way to rebuild the mechanisms for protecting its own market, which were characteristic of Donald Trump's first term. USTR is currently analyzing the scale of violations in individual economies, which could result in the imposition of new tariff barriers. Donald Trump's trade policy during his first term (2017–2021) was based on the broad use of tariffs, particularly against China, to reduce the trade deficit. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 was utilized at the time, which allows for imposing sanctions in response to unfair practices by foreign partners. The current actions represent a continuation and expansion of this strategy to a larger number of countries.

China sharply criticized the American investigation, calling it an action that strikes at the global trade system. Beijing's protest occurred just before planned diplomatic talks in Paris, further intensifying the atmosphere ahead of negotiations. The Chinese side perceives these steps as a form of protectionism disguised under slogans of protecting labor rights. Meanwhile, the European Union has appealed to Washington to view the bloc as a partner in solving the problem of global production surpluses, rather than as a source of trade problems. Brussels emphasizes the necessity of adhering to existing international agreements in the face of the new US tariff offensive. „The United States is abusing the concepts of national security and labor rights to suppress the development of other countries” — Chinese government spokesperson via Reuters

In the shadow of global trade disputes, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation relayed information about easing restrictions in one sector. The Italian Farnesina confirmed that Washington decided to lower anti-dumping duties imposed on Italian pasta producers. This decision is viewed as a positive signal in bilateral relations, despite the general trend of tightening trade policy by the US. The diplomatic ministry in Rome emphasized that the tariff reduction is the result of effective administrative and diplomatic actions. 60 (countries) — covered by the new USTR investigation Change in US tariff policy: Number of monitored countries: selective investigations → 60 economies simultaneously; Tariffs on Italian pasta: high anti-dumping rates → reduced rates