US Proposes 301 Tariffs; DPP: Labor Ministry Guidelines Must Be Implemented
The USTR has published a report under Section 301, recommending a 10% tariff on Taiwan over forced labor concerns. Taiwan's ruling DPP caucus responded by urging the Ministry of Labor to strengthen oversight and implementation of its related guidelines.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 12:46
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 13:02 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 16:12 (51h 9m after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Taipei, 4th) The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has published a report under Section 301 of the Trade Act regarding the import ban on forced labor products, recommending tariffs on 60 economies, with a proposed rate of 10% for Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus in the Legislative Yuan stated today that the Ministry of Labor has issued relevant guidelines that require enhanced supervision and implementation.
The USTR announced in March that it would initiate a new round of Section 301 investigations into 60 economies, including Taiwan, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. The aim is to determine whether these economies' policies and practices regarding their failure to prohibit and effectively enforce the ban on importing forced labor products are unreasonable or discriminatory and constitute a burden or restriction on U.S. commerce.
DPP Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung pointed out at a morning press conference that Taiwan is not the only country listed by the USTR regarding forced labor. He noted that the previous U.S. government's punitive tariffs were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the DPP caucus had already predicted that the U.S. still has many tools at its disposal. This signals to the world, especially countries with trade surpluses with the U.S., that high tariffs may become the norm.
Chuang stated that since Taiwan has been listed, he believes the executive branch, particularly the Ministry of Labor, which has already issued guidelines, must further supervise and implement these guidelines. The government also has a responsibility to educate and help businesses improve international labor rights standards, and to strengthen its response as Taiwan integrates with the international community and must comply with international norms.
DPP Caucus Secretary Fan Yun said the Ministry of Labor has issued reference guidelines for businesses to prevent forced labor. When Taiwanese companies go global, they must proactively adapt to international labor standards, which will particularly impact the migrant worker sector.
Fan noted that Taiwan being placed in a lower tariff bracket indicates initial results from U.S.-Taiwan negotiations. The Executive Yuan continues to negotiate with the U.S., aiming to protect national and industrial interests.
Additionally, regarding the Kuomintang's proposal to include representatives of public servants and teachers in the committee reviewing their pay, Chuang said this is a direction worth positive consideration, as it would make decision-making more transparent and closer to the views of public servants. He suggested the Executive Yuan could consider it. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150604
The USTR announced in March that it would initiate a new round of Section 301 investigations into 60 economies, including Taiwan, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. The aim is to determine whether these economies' policies and practices regarding their failure to prohibit and effectively enforce the ban on importing forced labor products are unreasonable or discriminatory and constitute a burden or restriction on U.S. commerce.
DPP Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung pointed out at a morning press conference that Taiwan is not the only country listed by the USTR regarding forced labor. He noted that the previous U.S. government's punitive tariffs were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the DPP caucus had already predicted that the U.S. still has many tools at its disposal. This signals to the world, especially countries with trade surpluses with the U.S., that high tariffs may become the norm.
Chuang stated that since Taiwan has been listed, he believes the executive branch, particularly the Ministry of Labor, which has already issued guidelines, must further supervise and implement these guidelines. The government also has a responsibility to educate and help businesses improve international labor rights standards, and to strengthen its response as Taiwan integrates with the international community and must comply with international norms.
DPP Caucus Secretary Fan Yun said the Ministry of Labor has issued reference guidelines for businesses to prevent forced labor. When Taiwanese companies go global, they must proactively adapt to international labor standards, which will particularly impact the migrant worker sector.
Fan noted that Taiwan being placed in a lower tariff bracket indicates initial results from U.S.-Taiwan negotiations. The Executive Yuan continues to negotiate with the U.S., aiming to protect national and industrial interests.
Additionally, regarding the Kuomintang's proposal to include representatives of public servants and teachers in the committee reviewing their pay, Chuang said this is a direction worth positive consideration, as it would make decision-making more transparent and closer to the views of public servants. He suggested the Executive Yuan could consider it. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150604