US imposes tariffs on dozens of trade partners over 'forced labour' imports

What the report says

BBC World News reports that the United States is set to impose new tariffs on about 60 trading partners, citing concerns that they have not adequately blocked imports made with forced labour. The duties, scheduled to take effect on Friday, range from 10% to 12.5% and cover major partners including the UK, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan and India. The targeted partners account for nearly all US imports, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The action follows the expiry of a temporary 10% tax on foreign goods introduced earlier this year and marks another step in President Donald Trump’s renewed trade agenda. BBC reports that after the US Supreme Court found many earlier global tariffs imposed under emergency powers were unlawful, the administration has looked to other legal authorities. In this case, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer invoked Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is used to address foreign practices seen as restricting US commerce.

The trade office said countries that have committed to adopting and enforcing bans on forced-labour imports will face the lower 10% rate, while those without such commitments will be charged 12.5%. It said 10 partners have agreed to enact such bans through reciprocal trade agreements, while others have introduced measures in response to recent US investigations.

The BBC notes that the White House argues tariffs can protect US workers, support domestic manufacturing and promote fairer competition. Economists, however, warn import taxes can raise consumer prices because companies often pass higher costs on to shoppers. Business groups and affected governments are expected to object, with possible legal challenges or retaliatory measures under consideration.