Freedom Shield: Global Forced Labor Import Prohibition Initiative
The Department of Labor plans to fund $18 million in projects to help Latin American and Asian countries enforce bans on imports made with forced labor, supporting fair trade and U.S. trade priorities.
Funder: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $18 million total; up to $11M for Latin America (4 countries), up to $7M for Asia (2 countries); 2 awards expected; project duration not specified.
Summary: Supports technical assistance projects to help partner countries enforce prohibitions on imports made with forced labor, advancing U.S. trade priorities.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being accepted.
Description
This forecasted grant opportunity from the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor, will fund two cooperative agreements focused on supporting key U.S. trade partner countries in implementing and enforcing prohibitions on imports produced wholly or in part with forced labor. The initiative seeks to advance U.S. trade priorities by addressing gaps in forced labor enforcement, leveraging labor commitments in trade agreements, and promoting fair competition for American workers and producers. Projects will be implemented in four Latin American countries (up to $11M) and two Asian countries (up to $7M).
