Latin American Countries Urge U.S. to Drop Tariffs
Steel News | 2026-07-09 07:54:42
Peru also requested exclusion from the proposed tariff, claiming that there has been no demonstration of any damage to U.S. trade.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Several Latin American countries have urged the United States to withdraw proposed import tariffs linked to forced labor concerns. According to them, these tariffs are unnecessary as they already have strong legal frameworks and enforcement measures to prevent such practices in their supply chains.
The matter came up during public hearings held by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on a proposal to impose additional tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 59 countries and the European Union. The duties are being considered under Section 301 of U.S. trade law, as the U.S. claims that these countries have failed to implement adequate actions against goods produced with forced labor.
The officials from Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Ecuador rejected the allegations, saying their governments have already implemented effective regulations against forced labor. Mexico's Deputy Economy Minister, Ernesto Acevedo Fernández, pointed out that there was no evidence that goods produced with forced labor were entering the U.S. through Mexico. Furthermore, he noted that the proposed tariff would cause harm to compliant Mexican businesses.
Peru also requested exclusion from the proposed tariff, claiming that there has been no demonstration of any damage to U.S. trade.
The USTR is expected to review feedback from the hearings before announcing its final decision.
POLL
Do you support the proposed U.S. tariffs on imports over forced labor concerns?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the U.S. proposing additional tariffs on imports?
The tariffs are being considered under Section 301 over concerns that some countries have not taken sufficient action to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering global supply chains.
- Which Latin American countries opposed the proposed tariffs?
Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Ecuador opposed the proposal during U.S. Trade Representative public hearings.
- What arguments did the countries present against the tariffs?
They argued that they already enforce strong anti-forced labor laws, there is no evidence their exports involve forced labor, and the tariffs would unfairly harm compliant businesses.
