U.S. forced‑labor tariffs on Thailand prompt Australia’s modern‑slavery law overhaul

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced additional Section 301 tariffs on imports linked to forced labor, covering 60 countries and regions. Thailand was assigned a 12.5% rate on a range of products, including electronics, rubber goods, appliances and certain foods. The tariffs took effect at 00:01 U.S. Eastern Time on July 24, with a brief grace period for cargo shipped before that date.

Australia’s Justice Department responded by proposing amendments to its 2018 Modern Slavery Act. The reforms would impose criminal penalties on companies with revenues above 110 billion yen and extend the law’s extraterritorial reach. Officials said the changes are partly motivated by the USTR’s tariff actions, which highlighted gaps in Australia’s enforcement of forced‑labour import bans.