Trump Administration Announces New Tariffs On 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Concerns

The Trump administration announced a new round of tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, saying the action is designed to pressure foreign governments to crack down on goods produced with forced labor. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect July 24 and replace temporary global duties that were set to expire.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, countries that have made meaningful progress toward banning forced labor imports will face a 10% tariff, while nations that have failed to take sufficient action will be subject to a 12.5% rate. Officials said the policy is intended to strengthen labor standards while creating a more level playing field for American businesses.

The tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 after a federal investigation concluded that many trading partners had not adequately prevented goods made with forced labor from entering global supply chains. The administration adopted the new legal framework after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier round of tariffs imposed under emergency powers.

Canada, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom are among the countries receiving the lower 10% tariff because officials determined they have made progress in addressing forced labor concerns. Countries deemed to have taken insufficient action will be subject to the higher 12.5% rate until they improve their enforcement efforts. Oil and gas imports are exempt from the new tariffs.

Administration officials said the policy is intended to eliminate products made with forced labor from U.S. supply chains while encouraging trading partners to strengthen their labor protections. They argued the tariffs reinforce President Trump’s broader trade agenda of protecting American workers and holding foreign governments accountable for unfair trade practices.