WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, replacing a temporary global tariff regime with duties of 10% and 12.5% that officials said are aimed at countries they contend have failed to adequately prohibit or enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. The measures took effect after the expiration of temporary across-the-board tariffs and were announced under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the action followed investigations that included public hearings, thousands of public comments and consultations with affected governments. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration concluded that shortcomings in the targeted economies' forced-labor enforcement constituted an unfair trade practice that warranted tariffs.
According to the administration, countries viewed as having stronger prohibitions or commitments to strengthen enforcement generally face a 10% tariff, while most of the remaining economies are subject to a 12.5% rate. The duties cover the vast majority of U.S. imports, although a range of products, including certain energy commodities, fertilizers and critical minerals, are exempt under the new framework.
The move follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that invalidated broad tariffs previously imposed under emergency economic powers, prompting the administration to pursue alternative legal authorities to maintain its trade agenda. Officials said Section 301 provides a more durable legal basis for the latest measures.
Several trading partners criticized the tariffs, disputing the U.S. assessment of their labor enforcement policies and arguing the duties are unjustified. Some governments said they would continue diplomatic engagement with Washington while reviewing possible responses under international trade rules.
Business groups and trade analysts said the new tariffs could affect supply chains and import costs, although initial market reaction was relatively muted. Some economists said the broad product exemptions may limit the immediate economic impact compared with earlier proposals for higher, more comprehensive tariffs.
The administration said the tariffs are now in force and that enforcement will proceed under the U.S. Trade Representative's final determination, while officials indicated additional country-specific and sector-based trade investigations remain under consideration.
