US imposes tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced labor concerns

The United States announced Thursday it will implement new tariffs on 60 trading partners, citing concerns over forced labor. These levies, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, will take effect Friday and target major global economies including China, India, and the European Union.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, "The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it's well past time for our trading partners to do the same." The targeted economies represent the majority of US trade, according to Greer.

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The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it's well past time for our trading partners to do the same.

This action replaces an expiring global duty initially rolled out by President Donald Trump. After a Supreme Court ruling struck down some of his previous tariffs, the administration is using different authorities to reimpose levies. The new duties, proposed in June, are designed to be more resistant to legal challenges.

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regrets

Nations that have implemented or committed to implementing forced labor import prohibitions, such as Canada, the EU, India, and the United Kingdom, will face the lower 10% rate. However, China, Japan, South Korea, and others are subject to the higher 12.5% tariff. Some relief is offered to the EU, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland, aligning with existing trade pacts.

The tariffs have drawn swift criticism. Japan's government spokesman Minoru Kihara expressed regret, calling the higher rate unjustified. Australia's trade minister Don Farrell decried the measures as "inconsistent with our free trade agreement."

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unjustified