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Fri, 24 Jul 2026

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 US imposes tariffs on dozens of trade partners, citing forced labour concerns

The tariffs target 60 trading partners over claims they failed to properly stop forced labour.
The US has imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including major economies like the UK, China, and Japan, due to concerns over forced labor practices. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, will apply to goods imported from countries that have failed to implement effective measures to prevent forced labor. Trading partners that have already implemented such bans will be subject to a lower tariff of 10%. Those that haven't will face the higher rate. The move is part of President Trump's trade policy aimed at protecting American workers and boosting the US economy. The White House has been investigating countries over claims they are not doing enough to tackle forced labor, with some countries already implementing bans in response. Critics have described the tariffs as a form of protectionism that will hurt businesses and consumers, while others have expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision. The Brazilian government called it "unjustified" and "arbitrary", while the Japanese government said it "regrets" the move. Australia's trade minister has also condemned the tariffs. The new duties are set to take effect immediately, replacing a temporary 10% tax on foreign goods that expired earlier this year. The US Trade Representative has defended the move as necessary to address human rights abuses and distortive trade practices.