The US has imposed new tariffs on goods from 60 economies, citing alleged failures to combat forced labor, which took effect on Friday. Major trading partners, including the EU, Australia, and China, have protested the measures, calling them unjustified and a pretext for new trade restrictions.
The U.S. imposed new global tariffs on 60 trading partners under Section 301, citing forced labor concerns, replacing a previously unlawful tariff regime. Countries like Australia, Brazil, and Chile rejected the rationale as unjustified, but most signaled continued negotiation rather than retaliation.
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) challenges the US's 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff on Indian exports, arguing it lacks evidence and aims to maintain trade barriers. India's policy change reduced the tariff from 12.5%, but 70% of exports still face the new duty.
The Trump administration will impose new 10-12.5% tariffs on 60 trade partners, covering 99.4% of U.S. trade, starting Friday over alleged forced-labor violations. These duties replace temporary global tariffs and are described as the most sweeping international labor rights action ever taken by any country.
