MANILA – The Philippine government will keep a close watch on an investigation by the United States concerning the possible entry of products made through forced labor, Malacañang said Saturday.
The inquiry was initiated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. It aims to assess whether the Philippines and other trading partners have effectively blocked the importation of goods linked to forced labor.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro relayed the statement of Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, saying the government acknowledges the probe and is prepared to engage in the process.
“We will carefully follow the investigation and participate in discussions to address the concerns raised by the United States,” Castro said.
Aside from the Philippines, the review includes around 60 countries and economic blocs, among them Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Other Southeast Asian countries included are Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The investigation, launched during the administration of Donald Trump, seeks to determine whether some countries’ policies fail to strictly enforce bans on forced-labor imports. Washington argues that such gaps may give companies relying on forced labor a cost advantage that undermines US industries.
Section 301 of the Trade Act allows the USTR to respond to unfair trade practices by imposing tariffs, restricting imports, or negotiating binding commitments with the countries concerned.
As part of the process, the USTR has requested consultations with the governments included in the review.
elamigo/xf
