US forced‑labor tariffs spark EU criticism and threaten Chilean fruit and salmon exports

The United States announced a series of tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from about 60 countries, citing investigations into forced labor in supply chains. Among the proposals is a 12.5% duty on Chilean agricultural products such as grapes, blueberries, cherries and apples, as well as on salmon, pending a public hearing in July 2026. The measure has raised alarm among Chilean fruit growers in the Ñuble region and salmon producers, who fear reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.

The European Commission responded by labeling the U.S. tariffs "unjustificados" and warned that the EU would consider a 10% tariff on its own exports to the United States. Brussels emphasised its commitment to eradicating forced labour and pointed to existing EU legislation that bans products made with slave labour, while noting that the law will only take effect in December 2027. The EU reiterated its willingness to honour the trade agreement reached last year, which capped U.S. duties on EU goods at 15% and included joint efforts to fight forced labour.

Both the EU and Chilean governments are monitoring the situation, with the EU defending the trade pact and Chile invoking its free‑trade agreement with the United States as a safeguard for exporters.