The Washington administration has launched investigations into unfair trade practices against 60 countries, citing suspicions of forced labor. Simultaneously, the US is making gestures towards allies by lowering tariffs on Italian pasta and strengthening cooperation with South Korea.

Global investigation into forced labor

The US has initiated investigations into unfair trade practices covering 60 countries, aiming to rebuild tariff pressure.

Relief for Italian pasta producers

Washington decided to lower anti-dumping duties imposed on Italian pasta factories.

Cooperation with South Korea

Vice President JD Vance positively assessed Seoul's new investment law, signaling a desire to strengthen economic relations.

European Union reaction

The EU called on the United States to respect existing trade agreements in the face of the new tariff offensive.

The United States has launched investigations into unfair trade practices against 60 countries, basing its actions on suspicions of forced labor. The Washington administration aims to rebuild the strong tariff pressure that characterized Donald Trump's economic policy. This move is part of a broader trade offensive aimed at protecting the American market and forcing changes in global supply chains. forced labor. US trade policy has significantly tightened in recent years, echoing the "America First" strategy. Using labor standards investigations as a tool of tariff policy allows Washington to impose restrictions without directly violating general free trade principles. Previous similar initiatives focused mainly on the textile and mining sectors in Southeast Asia.

Parallel to the global investigations, the US administration made decisions regarding specific trade partners that ease existing restrictions. Washington lowered anti-dumping duties imposed on Italian pasta producers. This decision was welcomed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Farnesina, headed by Antonio Tajani. At the same time, US Vice President JD Vance positively assessed South Korea's new investment law, indicating a desire to strengthen cooperation with Seoul in the area of strategic technologies. 60 (countries) — covered by the US trade investigation

The new US tariff offensive has met with an immediate reaction from the European Union, which called on Washington to respect existing agreements. Brussels fears that unilateral US actions could destabilize the international goods exchange system. At the same time, the US customs agency reported progress in modernizing trade infrastructure. According to official statements, the system responsible for tariff refunds is currently completed in the range of 40 to 80 percent, which is intended to streamline administrative processes for importers. Implementation status of the tariff refund system: Lower bound of progress: 40, Upper bound of progress: 80

Mentioned People

  • JD Vance — American politician and author, 50th Vice President of the United States
  • Donald Trump — 47th President of the United States, whose trade policy is being continued by the current administration
  • Antonio Tajani — Italian politician and journalist, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation