US Imposes New Tariffs on Dozens of Trading Partners

The US has imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and India. These duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5% and accounting for the vast majority of American imports, target key economic partners over claims they have failed to properly tackle forced labor.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Thursday that these duties would take effect, invoking Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The White House had proposed 10%-12.5% duties on imports from dozens of countries last month over concerns they were not doing enough to tackle forced labor. These new duties apply to the top 60 US trade partners, covering 99.4% of US imports.

Trading partners that have “made commitments to adopt, and effectively enforce” bans on forced labor imports will be subject to a 10% tariff, while those that have not will face the higher 12.5% rate. Brazil's government called the new 12.5% rate it faces “unjustified,” the Japanese government regretted the new tariffs, and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said the levies were “completely unjustified.” China has previously stated its opposition to any form of unilateral tariff and denied allegations of forced labor.

Deborah Elms, a trade policy expert from the Hinrich Foundation, noted that the new levies show the Trump administration is “determined” to push on with its tariff strategy. She added that it is unlikely countries hit with tariffs will be able to prove they have sufficient measures to prevent forced labor imports.

These measures mark the latest escalation in the global trade war reignited by US President Donald Trump when he returned to office last year. Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court struck down many tariffs imposed under emergency powers, ruling they were illegally enacted.

For more information, see BBC News.