The United States has opened a major trade investigation into dozens of economies, including the European Union, Canada and the United Kingdom, examining whether their policies adequately prevent goods produced with forced labour from entering international supply chains.

The inquiry, initiated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, falls under Section three hundred and one of the Trade Act of nineteen seventy four, a legal mechanism that allows Washington to investigate and respond to foreign trade practices considered harmful to American economic interests.

The investigation will assess whether trading partners have sufficient regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the import or circulation of goods produced using forced labour.

Officials in Washington said the review will evaluate how potential gaps in labour enforcement abroad could affect American workers and businesses.

The process will also examine whether existing rules in partner economies allow goods linked to forced labour to move through global supply chains in ways that distort fair competition.

The probe forms part of a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to strengthen trade enforcement and reinforce protections for American industry.

Officials have indicated that the findings could support future policy measures, including tariffs or other trade tools designed to ensure fair conditions for U.S. manufacturers and workers.

More than sixty economies are expected to fall within the scope of the investigation, covering both long-standing allies and other major trading partners.

The review will focus on how governments regulate imports connected to forced labour, how effectively those rules are implemented, and whether weaknesses in enforcement allow products produced under abusive labour conditions to enter international markets.

The initiative follows earlier inquiries launched by the United States into issues such as excess manufacturing capacity abroad and other practices seen as placing pressure on American industries.

Officials view the investigations as part of a comprehensive strategy to address structural trade imbalances and strengthen domestic economic security.

Under American law, the import of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour is prohibited, reflecting a longstanding policy that links trade enforcement with labour rights and fair competition.

Authorities have increasingly used trade tools and supply-chain scrutiny to prevent products associated with abusive labour practices from entering the U.S. market.

The new probe could become a significant test of how closely allied economies align their labour-related trade policies with those of Washington.

Its conclusions may shape future negotiations over supply-chain standards, tariffs and enforcement mechanisms across the global trading system.