US Expands Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners as New Import Duties Take Effect

The Trump administration has announced a new round of import tariffs affecting 60 U.S. trading partners, replacing temporary duties that are set to expire. The revised measures impose tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from countries the administration says have failed to adequately enforce bans on goods produced through forced labor.

The new duties, introduced under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are designed to create a longer-lasting legal framework after earlier emergency tariffs faced legal setbacks in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Tariffs Shift to New Legal Authority

The White House said the updated tariffs target countries that have not taken sufficient action to prevent forced labor products from entering global supply chains. Officials added that several nations reduced their proposed tariff rates after strengthening labor enforcement measures during the review process.

Certain products, including oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and goods covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), will remain exempt from the latest duties.

Trading Partners Push Back

Several affected countries criticized the decision, arguing the tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent with international trade rules. Some governments signaled they may challenge the measures through the World Trade Organization (WTO) or consider reciprocal trade actions.

Trade analysts note that while the tariffs are intended to strengthen efforts against forced labor, they could also increase costs for U.S. importers. Businesses often pass those higher costs to consumers, potentially adding pressure to inflation at a time when Americans continue to face elevated living expenses.

The administration has also launched additional investigations into trade practices involving other major economies, indicating more tariff actions could follow in the coming months.