U.S. launches 301 probe into forced-labor imports; Korea among 60 partners.

The U.S. Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, said the administration has launched a new Section 301 investigation into imports produced with forced labor, naming South Korea among 60 trading partners. This follows the previous day’s announcement of a separate 301 probe focused on overproduction.

The investigation will assess whether acts that allow the import of goods made with forced labor are unfair or discriminatory, or otherwise burden U.S. commerce. The list of countries includes Korea, China, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and others.

The USTR has asked these countries to engage in consultations and will accept written comments through the 15th of the following month. A public hearing is planned for the 28th, with a possible extension to May 1 if needed.

The day before, Washington also began a 301 investigation into overproduction involving 16 major economies, among them Korea, China, and Japan. That probe is separate from the forced-labor inquiry but runs parallel as the administration broadens its use of Section 301 remedies.

The article notes that since a Supreme Court ruling invalidated mutual tariff measures, the Trump-era setup has imposed a 10% global tariff under Section 122 on all trading partners since the 24th of the previous month. Officials say 301 findings will help determine whether new tariffs should be added before the 150-day limit expires in late July.

For U.S. readers, the development matters because Section 301 investigations can lead to tariffs that affect prices and supply chains for goods made abroad, including components and finished products sourced from Korea. In practice, outcomes could influence the timing and cost of electronics, autos, and other manufactured goods tied to East Asian supply chains.

The administration says it aims to preserve gains under the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and ensure treatment that is not less favorable than what is accorded to major trading partners. Korea’s inclusion signals continued scrutiny of labor and production practices across allied economies.

Overall, the moves reflect ongoing U.S. use of trade tools to address forced labor and other concerns in global supply chains, with potential spillover effects for markets, manufacturers, and investors worldwide.