- US imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China and the EU, at 10% to 12.5% on all goods, covering 99.4% of US imports.
- The tariffs are based on claims partners failed to tackle forced labour, but US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the action will correct a 'human rights abuse' and 'distortive trade practice'.
- Countries including Brazil, Japan, and Australia criticised the tariffs as 'unjustified', while China denied forced labour allegations.
- The US Supreme Court had earlier ruled many tariffs illegally enacted, and in February struck down Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs, prompting billions in refunds.
- Trade policy expert Deborah Elms said the Trump administration is 'determined' to push its tariff strategy, and Wendy Cutler said levies will raise costs for businesses and consumers.
- The UK faces a disadvantage as the EU has a 10% inclusive deal, while the UK has 10% universal tariffs on top of duties, said William Bain of the British Chambers of Commerce.
The Trump administration's latest tariffs target 60 trading partners, imposing duties of 10% to 12.5% on nearly all US imports, citing forced labor concerns.123
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, 'Today's action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice.'45
However, trade expert Caroline Freund argues the tariffs are politically motivated, saying they are 'not about forced labour' but rather a legal pretext for imposing duties.
The tariffs replace an expiring levy and follow a Supreme Court ruling that deemed many previous tariffs illegal, leading to significant refunds.
Countries like Brazil and Japan have criticized the new rates, with Brazil calling them 'unjustified' and Japan expressing regret.67
China has denied allegations of forced labor, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating, 'There is no so-called forced labour in China.'
The tariffs are expected to raise costs for consumers and businesses, although some impacts may be mitigated by exempted goods, according to Wendy Cutler from the Asia Society Policy Institute.1112
The new levies reflect the administration's determination to continue its tariff strategy, as noted by trade policy expert Deborah Elms.
“Trade expert Caroline Freund said the tariffs are 'not about forced labour' but that Trump is looking for a legal reason. The UK faces a disadvantage as the EU has a 10% inclusive deal while the UK has universal tariffs on top of duties, according to William Bain of the British Chambers of Commerce.”
BBC
