Taipei: Taiwan will intensify its efforts to address forced labor issues in the wake of a newly signed trade agreement with the United States, as announced by the Ministry of Labor (MOL). The ministry has committed to aligning domestic practices more closely with international labor and trade standards.

According to Focus Taiwan, Labor Minister Hung Sun-han emphasized the importance of fair worker treatment in global trade during a press conference at the Executive Yuan. The briefing highlighted the trade pact signed in Washington, D.C., which includes significant clauses on labor protections and a ban on imports of goods produced using forced labor.

The agreement sets U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods at a maximum of 15 percent and enhances mutual market access. Both countries have agreed to labor protections, including the prohibition of goods made with forced labor. Minister Hung described the deal as a “triple win” for employers, employees, and both economies, noting Taiwan’s increasing presence in global supply chains necessitates alignment with international standards and improved labor safeguards.

Taiwan plans to adopt determinations under Section 307 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labor. The ministry also intends to issue guidelines for businesses to prevent forced labor by the end of February and aims to lower the threshold for establishing labor unions within five years.

The MOL is also looking to bolster protections for migrant workers, addressing forced labor concerns. Proposed legal amendments include banning the confiscation of migrant workers’ identity documents and eliminating recruitment fees for migrant workers in the manufacturing and fishing sectors within three years. All proposed amendments will be submitted to the Executive Yuan after the Lunar New Year holiday.