By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Philippines will monitor and cooperate in the United States’ investigation into Manila’s alleged failure to ban the import of goods produced through forced labor, Malacañang said on Saturday.
This came after the US Trade Representative (USTR) launched a probe under Section 301 (b) of the US Trade Act of 1974 to determine whether the Philippines and 50 other trading partners have effectively banned the import of goods produced using forced labor.
Citing Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque’s statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines takes note of the US’s ongoing investigation.
“We will closely monitor and actively participate in the investigation to address the concerns of the United States,” Castro said, echoing Roque’s remarks.
The US investigation covers the Philippines and 59 other countries, including major economies such as Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as other Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The Trump administration aims to determine whether the acts, policies, or practices of the countries under probe fail to enforce prohibitions on imports produced with forced labor and provide an “artificial cost advantage” to firms using forced labor, thus impacting American businesses.
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 enables the USTR to implement measures, including tariffs, import restrictions, or binding agreements, to stop unfair practices.
The USTR has requested official consultations with the governments under review. (PNA)
