South Africa seeks tariff exemption as US probes forced labor tied to imports
South Africa argues its labor laws already block forced-labor imports and seeks exemptions for key exports from a proposed 12.5% tariff, officials said.
- A South African delegation visited Washington this week, urging the United States to exempt it from a proposed 12.5% tariff linked to a Section 301 investigation into forced labor enforcement across at least 60 economies.
- The Office of the United States Trade Representative is examining whether at least 60 economies adequately enforce bans on imports produced with forced labor, while South Africa maintains its existing laws already prohibit such practices.
- Pretoria argued it has ratified key International Labor Organization conventions prohibiting forced labor and requested exemptions for platinum group metals, vehicles, citrus, seafood, wine, and nuts, citing no evidence of forced labor in their production.
- Following the hearing, the United States trade office allowed additional submissions by Thursday before making a final decision on the proposed tariff measures affecting South African goods.
- Trade Minister Parks Tau emphasized the United States remains an important partner, though trade relations have faced recent strain over policy disagreements, potentially threatening South Africa's access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
26 Articles
26 Articles
South Africa seeks US exemption from proposed forced labor tariffs
During the hearing, the delegation said South Africa has ratified key International Labour Organization conventions prohibiting forced labor and has legislation empowering authorities to block imports produced under such conditions. It also noted that goods made through prison labor are already prohibited under South African law.
South Africa seeks tariff exemption as U.S. probes forced labor tied to imports
South Africa has asked the United States to exempt it from proposed tariffs linked to a U.S. investigation into the enforcement of bans on imports of products made with forced labor in dozens of countries, arguing that it has robust laws prohibiting the practice.
Associated Press News
South Africa seeks tariff exemption as US probes forced labor tied to imports
South Africa has asked the United States to exempt it from proposed tariffs tied to a U.S. investigation into the enforcement of forced labor in dozens of countries.
South Africa has asked the United States to exempt it from a tariff proposal linked to a federal investigation into the application of bans on imports of hard labour products in dozens of countries, arguing that it has strong laws prohibiting this practice.
South Africa seeks exemption from US forced-labour tariff
By Thapelo Molefe South African has asked the United States (US) to exempt the country from a proposed 12.5% tariff targeting economies considered to have failed to prohibit and effectively enforce bans on imports produced using forced labour, saying that its laws already prohibit forced labour and provide mechanisms to block the importation of goods made under such conditions. The request was made during a public hearing hosted by the Office of…
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