WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed a sweeping new round of tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, marking the latest escalation in President Donald Trump’s trade policy and reigniting tensions with major global trading partners.
The new measures, which took effect on Friday, impose import duties of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 economies, representing approximately 99% of all U.S. imports. The tariffs replace an earlier global tariff regime that was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year, with the Trump administration now relying on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 as the legal basis for the new measures.
The White House says the tariffs are intended to pressure trading partners to strengthen efforts against the production and trade of goods made with forced labor. Countries with stronger legal prohibitions against forced labor will generally face a 10% tariff, while those deemed to have weaker enforcement will be subject to 12.5% duties.
Among the economies affected are China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Vietnam, and dozens of other U.S. trading partners. Certain products, including some energy supplies, fertilizers, agricultural goods, and items already covered under separate national security tariffs such as steel and aluminum, are exempt.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended the move, arguing that stronger trade measures are necessary to combat forced labor in global supply chains.
“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,” Greer said while announcing the new policy.
However, the tariffs have drawn swift criticism from governments, economists and business groups, who argue that the measures could increase costs for businesses and consumers while disrupting global trade. Several countries questioned the administration’s justification, with critics suggesting the policy is primarily designed to restore tariff revenues after the previous measures were invalidated by the courts.
The new tariffs also come amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global markets, with investors closely watching the potential impact on inflation, international supply chains and economic growth. Analysts warn that prolonged trade disputes could prompt retaliatory measures from affected countries, further straining the global trading system.
The latest action underscores the Trump administration’s continued reliance on tariffs as a central tool of its economic and foreign policy, even as legal challenges and international opposition continue to shape the future of U.S. trade relations.
