The United States' move to impose new tariffs on 60 trading partners, citing concerns over forced labour in their supply chains, has sparked controversy. Critics are pointing out that America's own record on combating modern slavery is far from spotless – with an estimated £130 billion worth of goods at risk of being tainted by forced labour in its import markets in 2023 alone.
According to the Global Slavery Index (GSI), this figure, which included electronics from China and Malaysia, clothing from India and Vietnam, and essential minerals linked to human rights abuses, placed the US at the top among G20 countries. Furthermore, with approximately 1.1 million people living in modern slavery within its borders on any given day in 2021 – largely engaged in domestic work, agriculture, construction, retail, hospitality, or illicit activities – the US's prevalence rate of 3.3 forced workers per thousand people far exceeds that of countries like Germany and the Netherlands (0.6 per thousand). Even the UK's own rate, reported as 1.8 forced workers per thousand, is higher.
A critical aspect highlighted by critics is the legal framework in the US permitting forced labour within its prisons. The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, while banning slavery, includes an exemption for work performed as punishment for a crime – affecting around 800,000 of the 1.2 million individuals in state and federal prisons who are compelled to work under conditions that often border on exploitation.
The discrepancy between America's actions against other nations and its own domestic practices raises important questions about consistency and accountability. While the US has historically been vocal about prohibiting the importation of goods made with forced, convict, or indentured labour, there is a lack of evidence regarding the enforcement of penalties against companies failing to comply – a situation that warrants closer examination.
The imposition of tariffs on 60 countries, citing concerns over their handling of forced labour, while tolerating similar practices at home, has led many to question whether this stance truly aligns with America's professed values. It is an issue that resonates deeply in the UK and other parts of Europe, where economic relationships with the US are significant.