Trump administration floats tariffs on 60 trading partners — including China, U.K., EU — after forced labor probes
The Trump administration has recently announced proposed tariffs of 10% or more on numerous countries accused of not cracking down on forced labor. These tariffs are aimed at some of the largest trading partners of the U.S. as the administration works to rebuild its system of global tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office revealed the planned tariffs after conducting investigations into 60 trading partners under a law designed to address unfair trade practices. The tariffs are still subject to a comment process before they can take effect. The list of 60 trading partners includes countries that have allegedly failed to enforce rules prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labor.
Most of these trading partners are facing a proposed tariff rate of 12.5% on U.S. imports, including countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. A slightly lower 10% rate applies to 16 trading partners, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Taiwan, and Argentina, who have taken some steps to block forced labor.
Certain goods like beef, tomatoes, and coffee are exempt from these tariffs. Additionally, the office is considering a rule that would allow some textiles to enter the U.S. at a reduced tariff rate if countries import an equal quantity of American textiles.
The rationale behind these tariffs is that many countries lack strong prohibitions on imports made with forced labor, putting American companies at a disadvantage. Greer’s office argues that allowing firms in other countries to profit from forced labor or produce goods at a lower cost puts American companies using ethical labor practices at a competitive disadvantage.
President Trump has been a proponent of tariffs as a means to reduce trade deficits and address what he sees as unfair trade practices. However, his country-by-country tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court in February. Since then, the administration has been working to implement tariffs using other laws, such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the temporary tariffs imposed by the president could potentially be replaced by Section 301 duties like the ones announced recently. Bessent believes that these tariffs will eventually revert to their previous rates within five months.
Overall, the Trump administration’s move to impose tariffs on countries accused of allowing forced labor reflects its ongoing efforts to reshape global trade policies and protect American businesses from unfair competition.
