BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA – The Philippine government will cooperate with a United States investigation examining whether Manila and dozens of other trading partners have failed to block imports produced through forced labor, Malacañang said.
The probe, initiated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), could lead to trade measures such as tariffs or import restrictions if violations are confirmed.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippine government is ready to engage with the investigation, citing Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque.
“We will closely monitor and actively participate in the investigation to address the concerns of the United States,” Castro said.
The inquiry was launched under Section 301(b) of the US Trade Act of 1974, a provision that allows the US government to investigate and respond to what it considers unfair trade practices by foreign countries.
Aside from the Philippines, the investigation also covers 59 other economies, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia are also included.
US authorities said the review aims to determine whether the countries involved have policies or practices that fail to effectively block imports made with forced labor.
According to the US government, such gaps could allow companies using forced labor to gain an “artificial cost advantage,” which may harm American businesses.
If violations are established, Section 301 allows the USTR to impose measures such as tariffs, import restrictions, or negotiated agreements to address the issue.
The USTR has also requested formal consultations with the governments included in the investigation as part of the review process./PN
