Malaysia among 60 countries in US forced labour probe

The investigations will examine whether the acts, policies, or practices of the economies involved are 'unreasonable or discriminatory' and whether they burden or restrict US commerce.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that despite a broad international consensus against forced labour, many governments failed to effectively stop goods produced using such practices from entering their markets. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia is among 60 countries facing investigations by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) over alleged failures to ban and effectively enforce restrictions on imports of goods produced with forced labour.

A USTR statement said the investigations will examine whether the acts, policies, or practices of the economies involved are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and whether they burden or restrict US commerce.

The forced labour probe comes as the US yesterday announced it was launching trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in Malaysia and 15 other major trading partners.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that despite a broad international consensus against forced labour, many governments had failed to effectively stop goods produced using such practices from entering their markets.

“For too long, American workers and firms have been forced to compete against foreign producers who may have an artificial cost advantage gained from the scourge of forced labour,” he said in the statement.

Greer added that the investigations would assess whether foreign governments had taken sufficient steps to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labour and how failures to address the issue affected US workers and businesses.

The USTR said it will seek consultations with the governments of the countries under review. Public hearings are scheduled to be held on April 28, with written comments and requests to appear due by April 15. - FMT