The forced-labor probes follow Section 301 investigations launched on Wednesday, targeting excess industrial capacity across more than a dozen economies.

The move comes after the US Supreme Court struck down a key part of Donald Trump's tariffs policies last month.

The U.S. decision to launch a slew of new investigations into key trading partners has raised eyebrows among analysts, who question both the timing and objectives of the probes.

The forced-labor probes follow Section 301 investigations launched on Wednesday, targeting excess industrial capacity across more than a dozen economies.

Investigations will focus on whether governments have failed to impose and effectively enforce bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

Jamieson Greer announced investigations into 60 economies to determine if they have failed to curb imports of goods made with forced labor.