US imposes forced labor tariffs on 60 partners

On July 24, 2026, the Trump administration imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the European Union and China, citing lax enforcement of forced labor bans. The tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, cover 99.4% of U.S. imports but exempt oil, gas, fertilizer, and certain food items. They replace a temporary 10% global tariff that expired on the same day. The move follows the U.S. Supreme Court's February 2026 ruling that struck down earlier 'reciprocal' tariffs. Countries like Norway, Australia, and Brazil protested the tariffs, while Canada issued a muted response. The U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the action aims to correct human rights abuses and unfair trade practices. Goods from countries with adequate anti-forced labor laws receive the lower 10% rate; others face 12.5%. The tariffs are designed to maintain a tariff floor and are expected to face fewer legal challenges than previous ones.