JOHANNESBURG - South Africa faces a fresh 12.5% US tariff over allegations it has failed to block imports made with forced labour.
However trade union federation Cosatu insists the country already has the laws to do so and blames poor enforcement, not missing legislation.
Cosatu says the country already has labour, anti-trafficking and customs legislation but admits enforcement has been lacking.
The trade union federation told US trade officials that authorities have the power to ban such goods although no companies appear to have been blocked under these measures.
The issue is being examined as part of US trade hearings this week.
Cosatu and Trade Union Solidarity have warned that any new tariff would unfairly hurt South African workers and exporters, particularly in the automotive, citrus and wine sectors.