The United States has announced new tariffs on roughly 60 trading partners – covering 99% of its imports – claiming each country has failed to promptly stop forced‑labour production.
The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, hit major economies such as the United Kingdom, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan and India. They are introduced on Friday, replacing an earlier mandatory 10% tax that had expired this year.
This action is the latest step in President Donald Trump’s revived trade war. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year struck down many emergency tariffs, prompting the administration to pursue alternate legal avenues.
Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the Treasury has imposed duties aimed at correcting what it calls a “human‑rights abuse and distortive trade practice.” Additionally, a 50% tariff on Canadian products was imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
Countries that commit to banning imports made with forced labour face a 10% tariff; those that do not face 12.5%. Officials say they welcome swift compliance and intend to enforce these prohibitions.
While the administration asserts the tariffs will protect U.S. workers and bolster manufacturing, economists warn that higher duties could raise consumer prices for everyday goods. Trade partners are likely to challenge the measures or retaliate with their own duties.
The U.S. Trade Representative is currently investigating 16 additional countries—making up the bulk of U.S. imports—for alleged manufacturing overcapacity, potentially paving the way for future duties later this year.
