US imposes tariffs on 60 trade partners over forced labor claims

The United States on Friday activated new import duties targeting 60 trading partners, replacing President Donald Trump's temporary 10% global tariff with rates ranging from 10% to 12.5% as Washington intensifies pressure over alleged forced labor violations. The measures entered into force at 12:01 am Eastern Time, covering nations that account for 99.4% of US trade, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

Investigation background

The administration imposed the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 following an investigation launched in March into whether targeted economies effectively prohibited imports made with forced labor. Officials proposed the duties in June, arguing that weak enforcement abroad placed American workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

Tariff structure

The new duties will not be added to existing US national security tariffs on steel and aluminum, the USTR said. The targeted rates replace the temporary 10% duty that expired at the same time the new measures took effect.