Switzerland rejects US forced labour claims as tariff talks continue

ZURICH, June 5 (Reuters) - ‌Switzerland will ​continue ​trade talks with the United States while rejecting allegations that it ‌failed to combat imports of goods made ⁠with forced labour, the government said on Friday.

The ‌government said it would ‌restate its position in writing, arguing its approach focusing on supply chains was ​effective, as Washington considers additional tariffs of 12.5% on Switzerland.

"The Federal Council strongly ⁠rejects the allegations made in the course of this investigation," ​the government said, adding that Switzerland's approach combines regulation, mandatory private-sector risk ​assessments and international cooperation.

The U.S. ‌findings, published on June 2, followed Section 301 investigations launched in ⁠March into alleged unfair trade practices, including industrial overcapacity and enforcement against forced labour goods.

The ⁠proposed tariffs would not take effect immediately, with ​interested parties first invited to submit comments ahead of a public hearing.

The additional U.S. tariffs are likely ‌to replace the current 10% additional tariffs that are in force ‌until July 24, the government said, while ⁠additional tariffs may ‌be imposed because ​of a U.S. investigation into overcapacity.

(Reporting by John Revill, Editing by Miranda ‌Murray)

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