05/06/2026
Human rights cannot become a bargaining chip.
The United States has proposed an additional 12.5% tariff on Australian goods, claiming Australia has failed to adequately prevent imports made with forced labour. The proposal is part of a wider action involving 60 economies. It is still under consultation, with written comments due by 6 July 2026.
We agree that forced labour demands stronger action. The International Labour Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are trapped in forced labour worldwide. Illegal profits reach US$236 billion each year. Behind every number is a person whose freedom has been taken away.
Yet tariffs applied across whole countries are a blunt tool. They risk turning a grave human rights abuse into a trade argument, while failing to target the goods, sectors and business practices where exploitation is occurring.
Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans accused Trump of using a serious human rights issue as a “play thing” in a broader trade war, undermining genuine anti-slavery efforts.
His concern deserves attention.
Australia should also resist the temptation to become defensive. Our Modern Slavery Act was a meaningful first step, but reporting alone is not enough. We need laws that lead to change for workers, stronger consequences when businesses fail to act, and a forced labour import ban that targets goods linked to exploitation.
For business leaders, there is work to do now:
1. Ask where the greatest forced labour risks sit in your supply chain, including beyond your direct suppliers.
2. Listen to survivor-informed advice before choosing your next action.
Modern slavery is too serious to be used as political cover. It is also too serious for Australia to settle for minimum compliance.
Small, practical steps taken with care can protect people. And one of those small steps can simply be to save this post or share it with a leader who can act!
We are always happy to chat, so DM us.
