Pakistan defends trade practices in US probe on forced labour imports: report

Pakistan is pursuing its case in Washington as the United States reviews trade practices of 60 economies, including Pakistan, over concerns related to forced labour-linked imports, The Express Tribune reported. 

Officials said a public hearing under the US Trade Representative (USTR) began on April 28 and will continue until May 14, 2026. Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States is representing the country along with officials from the textile and commerce ministries and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.

The probe follows the withdrawal of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration, after which the USTR initiated an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The review focuses on whether countries have established and are effectively enforcing bans on imports of goods produced with forced labour.

The USTR is examining laws, regulations and enforcement mechanisms, including whether gaps in enforcement discriminate against US commerce or allow forced labour practices to persist. It is also seeking recommendations on potential actions, including duties or import restrictions.

The commerce ministry informed a steering committee that consultations had been held with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and representatives of the textile sector to prepare Pakistan’s response. It was agreed that written submissions would be filed by both public authorities and industry stakeholders.

Officials said the government is also working to introduce a prohibition on imports of goods produced with forced labour under the Import Policy Order, in line with standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

During the meeting, concerns were raised about earlier reports on forced labour in cotton farming in Sindh. The commerce ministry said the draft response includes measures taken by the government and industry, including Better Cotton Initiatives, organic and regenerative cotton programmes, and traceability systems across the supply chain.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis proposed amendments to align trade regulations with global standards on forced labour. It was decided that the necessary process would be initiated to enable the commerce ministry to place a summary before the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for approval.

The steering committee approved the draft submission with minor changes and directed that it be submitted to the USTR through Pakistan’s embassy. It also recommended that Pakistan’s ambassador attend the hearing at the US International Trade Commission to present an oral statement on behalf of the government, accompanied by relevant officials.