Key facts
- US threatens 12.5% tariff on Costa Rica over forced labor goods.
- US cites failure to enforce prohibitions on forced labor imports.
- Costa Rica can submit comments by July 6.
- A hearing is scheduled for July 7.
The United States has threatened to impose a 12.5% tariff on goods imported from Costa Rica. The U.S. stated that Costa Rica's failure to implement and effectively enforce prohibitions on goods produced using forced labor is detrimental to U.S. commerce. Costa Rica has the opportunity to submit written comments regarding the investigation's findings by July 6. A hearing is scheduled for July 7, after which the tariffs could be implemented. The imposition of additional tariffs poses a risk to Costa Rica's economic growth.