President Donald Trump announced the imposition of new import duties ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on goods from 60 trading partners. This decision was revealed shortly before temporary worldwide tariffs were set to expire following a Supreme Court ruling.
The administration stated these tariffs aim to target countries that have not sufficiently banned or enforced prohibitions on goods produced using forced labor. This move represents one of the most significant trade actions during Trump’s second term.
The tariffs, effective from 12:01 a.m. Friday, impact economies that comprise about 99 percent of U.S. imports. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that America has consistently enforced restrictions on forced-labor goods and expects trading partners to follow suit.
The Supreme Court previously blocked Trump’s effort to impose wide-ranging global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, citing lack of authorization. In response, the administration resorted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, temporarily imposing a 10 percent tariff globally, set to expire after 150 days. The new tariffs utilize Section 301, permitting action against foreign practices detrimental to U.S. commerce.
Some countries that made efforts to enhance forced-labor enforcement received a reduced tariff rate. Imports from such nations generally face a 10 percent tariff, while others face 12.5 percent. Exemptions include products like oil, gas, fertilizer, and certain goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
This decision is likely to spark discussions around Trump’s assertive trade policies as the November midterm elections approach.
Countries Facing New Tariffs
10% Tariff Group (Countries adopting or committing to forced-labor restrictions):
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- European Union
- Guatemala
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
12.5% Tariff Group:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- India
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Libya
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
This is a breaking news article. Updates will follow.