- The Trump administration has imposed new double-digit tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, citing inadequate enforcement of bans on goods produced by forced labor.
- These new tariffs took effect at 12:01am on Friday, replacing temporary levies that had been in place after a Supreme Court ruling in February 2026.
- Trading partners, including China, Japan, and Australia, have reacted with strong objections, labeling the tariffs as completely unjustified.
- Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his previous tariffs, Trump imposed temporary worldwide tariffs as a stopgap measure.
- The administration is utilizing Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose these tariffs, which allows for sanctions against countries engaging in unjustifiable trade practices.
The Trump administration's new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target 60 countries for failing to enforce bans on forced labor products. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, "The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century..." The tariffs took effect as temporary levies expired, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down previous tariffs. Countries like India and Pakistan face a 10% tariff, while those without such laws, including China and the UK, face 12.5%. The administration is also investigating 16 countries for overproduction that harms U.S. companies. Critics, including John Diamond from the Baker Institute, argue the claims of forced labor reliance are exaggerated, stating, "It’s kind of hard to believe..." Trading partners have reacted strongly, with Australia's trade minister calling the tariffs "completely unjustified" and Japan protesting the additional tariffs after prior assurances. This move marks a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy, as the administration seeks to leverage Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose these tariffs.1235
“Countries without forced-labor import bans, including China and the UK, face a 12.5% tariff while those with such laws, like India and Pakistan, get 10%. The tariffs use Section 301 authority after the Supreme Court struck down earlier IEEPA tariffs, with analysts skeptical the courts will intervene again.”
