ICC has issued a statement in response to new "Section 301" tariffs announced by the United States Trade Representative, expressing concern they risk penalising legitimate commerce, creating significant uncertainty across global supply chains and increasing compliance costs for businesses.

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ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

"We are deeply concerned that the new Section 301 tariffs risk penalising legitimate commerce alongside any genuine forced labour violations.

"Applying these new duties across more than 60 economies - including close US allies and existing trade partners - will create significant uncertainty across global supply chains.

"The additional tariffs, exemptions and carve-outs will significantly increase compliance costs and administrative burdens for businesses already operating in an unsettled trade environment - without clear evidence that the new regime will improve outcomes for workers.

"Forced labour is a serious and unacceptable practice. But enforcement is most effective when it is targeted, evidence-based and focused on specific violations and supply chains. Broad tariff measures risk diluting that essential focus."