The United States has introduced a new round of tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, marking the latest escalation in President Donald Trump’s trade agenda.
The new measures impose tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods imported from countries including the United Kingdom, China and the European Union, covering nearly all U.S. imports from those nations.
The tariffs replace a temporary 10% levy that expired Friday. The Trump administration says the new duties are intended to pressure countries to strengthen efforts against forced labour in global supply chains.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the move is designed to address both human rights concerns and trade practices that disadvantage American workers.
However, several trade experts dispute that explanation. Caroline Freund, dean of the University of California San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, argued the administration is using forced labour as a legal justification after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that many of Trump’s previous global tariffs were imposed unlawfully under emergency powers.
Under the new framework, countries that have committed to adopting and enforcing bans on imports linked to forced labour will face a 10% tariff, while those deemed not to have met those standards will be subject to a 12.5% tariff.
Analysts say the tariffs are likely to increase costs for businesses and consumers, although exemptions on certain products could limit the overall economic impact. Experts also warn the measures may encourage countries to strengthen trade ties with partners outside the United States.
The announcement has drawn criticism from several governments. Brazil described the tariffs as “unjustified,” while Japan expressed regret over the decision. Australia’s trade minister also criticized the move, calling the new duties “completely unjustified.”
China rejected the allegations of forced labour, with its foreign ministry stating that such claims are politically motivated. However, international human rights organizations continue to raise concerns about reports of forced labour involving Uyghur and other Muslim minority groups in China’s Xinjiang region.
The latest tariffs are part of Trump’s broader strategy to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and expand domestic manufacturing. Since returning to office, his administration has continued to rely on tariffs as a key economic and trade policy tool, while also pursuing additional investigations that could result in further import duties on several major trading partners.
