US launches investigations into Bangladesh over industrial output, labour concerns

Bangla Press Desk:  The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched investigations into whether Bangladesh and several other countries are engaging in overcapacity or overproduction in manufacturing sectors and whether adequate measures are being taken to prevent the use of forced labour in production.

Last Wednesday (11 March), the USTR announced an investigation into excess production or industrial capacity involving 16 countries, including Bangladesh.A day later, it also declared a broader probe covering 60 countries to assess whether sufficient steps are being taken to prevent forced labour in manufacturing supply chains.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations could allow the United States to impose import duties on products from countries found to be engaged in what it described as unfair trade practices.

Regarding the forced labour inquiry, he said officials would examine whether the listed countries had failed to prevent the sale of goods produced through forced labour, potentially harming American businesses.

The United States also indicated that it aims to complete these investigations before temporary tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in February expire in July.

Other countries included in the investigations are major competitors of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector in the global market, including China, India, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam.The announcement of the probes came after the US Supreme Court overturned certain tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration.

According to the USTR, formal consultations with the countries concerned have already been initiated, and letters have been sent to the respective governments seeking discussions on the issues.

Each country has been asked to submit written responses by 17 March, while hearings on the matters are scheduled to take place in the first week of May.Source: BBC Bangla