Ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned Washington visit, US-China tensions escalate over Chinese AI models, advanced robotics, and forced labour claims.
SCMP highlights key Latin American news from July 2026, including Chile's engagement with China, Brazil's rise as the top buyer of Chinese cars, and US claims regarding China-linked spy sites in Cuba.
Twenty-five US states sued the Trump administration over new 10% to 12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, arguing the duties are unlawful and function as a tax on families.
US President Donald Trump is imposing new tariffs, claiming to combat forced labor, but critics argue this is a pretext to continue his trade wars, violating international agreements and federal law. The tariffs target the EU and Canada, while largely sparing China, and ignore forced labor issues within the US.
Beijing has condemned the White House's decision to add 43 Chinese companies to an import blacklist, citing alleged forced labour in Xinjiang. This move, described as "economic coercion" by China, marks the third set of US sanctions against China this week, expanding the entity list under the Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act.
The White House added 43 Chinese companies to a blacklist under the Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act, citing alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Beijing condemned the move as a "classic act of economic coercion," marking the third US measure against China this week.
The US has reduced the EU's tariff from 15% to 10%, matching the UK's rate, but certain EU sectors now enjoy lower tariffs than their UK counterparts, putting British businesses at a disadvantage. However, the UK secures zero tariffs on Scottish whisky.
Two US small businesses sued the Trump administration over new tariffs on 60 trading partners, claiming the policy lacks required 'forced labour' findings and exceeds presidential authority.
President Trump is now justifying tariffs against allies by accusing them of using forced labour goods. This shift creates a new trade dynamic, with the EU securing a better deal than the UK due to its forced labour ban, prompting questions about the UK's future legislative approach.
The US has imposed new tariffs (10-12.5%) on over 80 countries under Section 301, citing insufficient forced labour restrictions. Targeted nations, including Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, EU, China, and India, have rejected the allegations and vowed to lobby against the measures, with some noting existing trade agreements may mitigate impacts.
The US has imposed tariffs of 10-12.5% on goods from several countries, including China, Japan, and the EU, citing forced labor practices. Experts view these actions as a pretext for President Trump's 'America-first' trade agenda, with another Section 301 investigation ongoing.
Socialist MEP Bernd Lange warns the EU to prepare for US retaliation following the European Commission's €890 million fine on Google and new US tariffs targeting the EU over forced labor. Lange expects further US action and hopes US courts and Congress will address the tariffs.
The US has imposed new 10-12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and EU, citing forced labour concerns. Experts suggest the move, which replaces expiring levies, is aimed at reducing the trade deficit and boosting US manufacturing, following a Supreme Court ruling against previous tariffs.
The U.S. will impose 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries, citing inadequate enforcement of forced labor bans, effective Friday as temporary 10% worldwide tariffs expire.
The US has imposed new 10-12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and the EU, citing forced labor concerns. Experts suggest the move is a legal justification for President Trump's trade deficit and manufacturing goals after previous tariffs were ruled illegal.
Donald Trump's administration imposed new 12.5% tariffs on Australian exports, citing a failure to combat forced labor, a claim the Albanese government disputes. Australia's trade minister called for immediate removal, stating the tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent with their free-trade agreement.
US President Donald Trump is imposing new 10-12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries, citing inadequate enforcement of forced labor bans. These tariffs, enacted under Section 301, replace temporary levies that were struck down by the Supreme Court.
President Trump is implementing new 10-12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries, citing inadequate enforcement of forced labor bans. These Section 301 tariffs take effect Friday, replacing expiring temporary levies and impacting 99% of US imports.
The US government has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports, effective Friday, citing concerns over forced labor in international supply chains. Australia's government expressed disappointment, calling the tariffs unjustified and inconsistent with their free trade agreement, vowing to lobby for their removal and potentially pursue World Trade Organisation complaints.
The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including China and EU members, with rates up to 12.5%, citing human rights abuses and distortive trade practices. This action is part of President Trump's "America-first" agenda, alongside an ongoing Section 301 investigation into excess industrial capacity.
The US is imposing new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, on imports from approximately 60 trading partners, including the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and India, effective Friday. The move, justified by claims of failed efforts to stop forced labor, escalates the global trade war and follows a Supreme Court ruling against prior emergency tariffs.
A US government hearing on proposed tariffs for goods linked to forced labor revealed divisions on their effectiveness. China Labor Watch founder Qiang Li advocated for higher tariffs on China, citing poor worker conditions.
India has asked the USTR to withdraw a proposed 12.5% tariff on its exports, citing lack of country-specific evidence and legal standards regarding forced labour allegations. The proposal is part of a Section 301 probe by the US.
India has urged the US Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider imposing a 12.5% additional tariff on Indian products, citing forced labour allegations. India argues the proposed tariffs lack legal standards, country-specific analysis, and a clear link to US business impact.
