US forced‑labour tariff probe sparks China warning of retaliation

The United States Trade Representative is holding a three‑day public hearing on a Section 301 investigation into forced‑labour practices in global supply chains. The probe could lead to tariffs of 10 % to 12.5 % on imports from about 60 economies, including China, covering products such as cotton, polysilicon for solar panels and critical minerals.

Chinese officials condemned the move, saying it violates WTO rules and harms global supply‑chain stability. Beijing lodged formal representations, warned it could take retaliatory measures, and placed ten U.S. entities linked to military activities on its export‑control list. The United States and China continue talks on broader trade issues and agricultural cooperation, but the dispute underscores lingering tensions between the world’s two largest economies.