On 2 June, the USTR published the findings of its Section 301 investigations into forced labour. The result: the measures taken by all 59 countries investigated and by the European Union were classified as insufficient. The consequence: additional tariffs of 10 to 12.5% – cumulative on top of existing tariffs.
The reaction from Brussels followed the familiar pattern. Outrage. Justifications. And the argument that the EU has introduced the strictest rules in the world against forced labour. What is elegantly left unsaid: these rules only enter into force on 14 December 2027. The American finding that the EU does not yet effectively enforce corresponding import bans is simply correct. Talking that away is not policy – unfortunately, it is merely rhetoric.
The real problem is not tactical, but structural. DG Trade and Commissioner Šefčovič react to U.S. trade policy selectively, slowly, and visibly without strategic anticipation – even though the overall picture of the planned American measures has been known in Brussels for months, or at least should have been.
The pattern repeats itself: the Commission waits until the situation escalates. Then it reacts and points the finger at the negotiating partner. After all, Brussels has apparently leased morality on an exclusive basis.
Forward-looking diplomacy and early conflict de-escalation are evidently not core competencies in the Berlaymont.
The bill is paid – as always – by the export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises in the EU.
Read the full article here >>>
Thorsten Gerber, CEO Gerber Group, 4 June 2026
We at the Gerber Group have been trading in stainless steel worldwide for over 20 years. We are your experts when it comes to purchasing, import, logistics and services. Information is a vital part of this. Because only then can you and we make the right decisions. Do you have any questions? Contact us now.
Disclaimer: Many things here represent our opinion. Others are information from the Internet. We can therefore never claim to be correct or complete. And never base a business decision solely on the news you receive from us.
