By Renee Chiuchiarelli, Global Training Center
A Fine Balance
Despite international efforts to eradicate forced labor, it remains a pervasive issue. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that on any given day, there are 28 million workers, including adults and children, subjected to forced labor globally (5). The numbers hover around 50 million people total. These staggering figures underscore the urgency of addressing forced labor within the context of international trade.
Is Trade a Tool for Change?
The U.S. has taken a proactive stance in combating forced labor through trade policy. In January 2025, the Biden Administration released the first-ever Trade Strategy to Combat Forced Labor, outlining a comprehensive approach to utilizing trade tools in the fight against this practice (1). This strategy represents a significant step toward leveraging trade policy to end forced labor.
The challenge lies in striking a balance between promoting free trade and implementing protectionism and/or protecting human rights. While free trade agreements aim to boost economic growth and create opportunities, they must also incorporate mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of workers. Including labor standards in trade deals can encourage countries to maintain worker protections rather than abandoning them in a race to the bottom (9).
Should we be investing in more free trade agreements that incorporate tools to protect human rights both in the U.S. and around the world which would ultimately promote economic interest? If yes, we would be promoting globalization, protecting human rights and lowering consumer costs – trade thoughts to ponder.
Customs and Border Protection has not taken its foot off the gas on forced labor enforcement. Detainments and denials increased by 71% and 13.7% respectively between August 2024 to March 2025.
Glimmers of Wisdom
- Know that trade policy is being used to enforce non-trade laws and promote economic policies, whether beneficial or not.
- Don’t forget that CBP will be enforcing laws outside of duty collections including forced labor.
- Continue to maintain your knowledge through articles, training, blogs, podcasts, and networking.
- During the trade chaos, take time to breathe away from the spreadsheets and get some sun.
