Trade Secretary Cristina Roque
THE Philippine government has affirmed its commitment to assist the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) ongoing investigation into unfair trade practices, specifically focusing on issues related to forced labor among 60 countries, including the Philippines.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stated that the Philippines acknowledges the Section 301 investigations initiated by the U.S. and will actively participate to address American concerns.
The USTR has announced the commencement of the second set of Section 301 probes targeting 60 economies, with the Philippines included, concerning alleged failures to act against forced labor.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explained that these investigations aim to ascertain whether foreign governments have implemented adequate measures to prohibit the importation of goods produced through forced labor and to assess the impact of these practices on U.S. workers and businesses.
The extensive list of 60 countries and economies under investigation includes major trade partners and allies of the U.S., such as Australia, Canada, the European Union, Britain, Israel, India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, China and Russia are also part of this group, highlighting the global scope of the U.S. initiative to combat unfair trade practices and forced labor.
The Philippines’ active participation in the investigation signals its commitment to transparency and adherence to international labor standards.
By closely monitoring and engaging with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, the government aims to address any concerns and demonstrate its efforts in eradicating forced labor, thereby strengthening its trade relations with the United States and upholding ethical labor practices.
