Forced Labor, Free Trade, Protectionism
Forced Labor, Free Trade, Protectionism: The Delicate Balance of Human Rights and Economic Interests published by AAEI
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 in 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).
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FURTHER YOU KNOWLEDGE: AVAILABLE TRAINING
Forced Labor Compliance with Supply Chain Tracing
These trainings will benefit: Trade Compliance Professionals (including Managers and Directors), Specialists, Global Compliance, Purchasing, Procurements/Sourcing, Logistics, Auditing, Freight, Finance, Legal managers or representatives, and Customs Brokers.
