Trump Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced-Labor Concerns

Trump Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced-Labor Concerns

The administration of Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, arguing that inadequate measures against goods produced with forced labor are harming American workers and businesses.

The proposal follows investigations by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which concluded that many trading partners failed to effectively block imports linked to forced labor practices.

Countries that already enforce forced-labor import bans or have committed to doing so through trade agreements would face a 10% tariff. Other economies would be subject to higher duties of 12.5%.

Major economies affected include China, India, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and Vietnam. The European Union, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, and Pakistan were also criticized for weak enforcement of existing restrictions.

The USTR additionally proposed a textile-import mechanism that would allow limited quantities of apparel and textile products from certain countries to enter the U.S. at reduced tariff rates.