Fashion brands have become more transparent, but the industry’s biggest supply chain risks remain social, not environmental, and workers continue to bear the cost.

A three-day U.S. trade hearing is beginning on proposed tariffs tied to foreign forced-labor enforcement, a move that could restore or expand Trump-era import duties.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s 2026 guidance signals that forced labor enforcement is now a real-time compliance risk, and companies can’t skimp on building end-to-end visibility.

The Trump administration has proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, citing insufficient efforts to keep forced-labor goods out of global supply chains.

Forced labor compliance has become a frontline business risk for fashion companies, as tougher enforcement, hidden supply chain practices, and rising investor and consumer scrutiny turn visibility and data into competitive necessities.