Trump administration imposes forced‑labor tariffs on 60 countries

On July 24 2026 the United States imposed import duties of 10 % to 12.5 % on goods from 60 foreign economies, covering roughly 99 % of U.S. imports. The tariffs were enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and are presented as a response to those economies’ alleged failure to enforce bans on forced‑labour products. The rates are split: a 10 % tariff for partners judged to have taken partial steps (e.g., Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, India) and a higher 12.5 % levy for the remainder, including China, Japan and South‑Korea. The measure replaces a temporary 10 % global duty that expired after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier tariff scheme.

Small U.S. firms have filed lawsuits in the Court of International Trade challenging the legality of the tariffs. Represented by the Liberty Justice Center, companies such as Learning Resources, Burlap & Barrel and Collective Horology argue that the administration exceeded its statutory authority and that the tariffs are “arbitrary and capricious.” Sara Albrecht of the Liberty Justice Center said, “Forced labour is morally indefensible, but an important objective does not give the government permission to ignore the law.”

Critics, including trade experts and foreign governments (Australia, Brazil, the European Union, Norway), contend the tariffs are a way for the president to sidestep Congress and apply pressure on trading partners. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office reported two rounds of public hearings and more than 2,100 comments but gave few details on how specific tariff levels were determined.