Mexico Resolves to Prohibit Imports Produced with Forced Labor

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement requires each Party to prohibit the importation of goods into its territory from other sources produced in whole or in part by forced or compulsory labor, including forced or compulsory child labor. “Mexico’s new rule barring the import of products made with forced labor is an important step to expunging this morally abhorrent and unfair trade practice from North American supply chains,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore) in a statement.

The US Department of Labor “Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports – Mexico” notes “In 2021 Mexico made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor However, children in Mexico are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking, and in illicit activities, such as the production and trafficking of drugs. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture, including in the production of chile peppers, coffee, sugarcane, and tomatoes. In 2021, the government eliminated many social programs that increased educational access and reduced risk for child labor in marginalized communities.