US imposes new tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced labour concerns
10 reported1 conflicting
The United States has imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and India, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5%. The tariffs, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acting under President Donald Trump’s direction, target countries the US says have failed to properly tackle forced labour. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling in February that struck down earlier tariffs imposed under emergency powers, and comes as a temporary global levy expires. The Office of the US Trade Representative stated the new duties apply to 99.4% of US imports and are intended to correct what it called a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice. Trading partners that have committed to banning forced labour imports face a 10% tariff, while those that have not face a 12.5% rate. The announcement has drawn criticism from several countries, including Brazil, Japan, and Australia, while China denied allegations of forced labour.
What’s reported
The US imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, with rates of 10% to 12.5%.
The tariffs target countries over claims they have not properly tackled forced labour.
The US Supreme Court ruled in February that many earlier tariffs were illegally enacted.
The new duties cover 99.4% of US imports.
Trading partners that have committed to banning forced labour imports face a 10% tariff; others face 12.5%.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer invoked Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose 50% tariffs on Canada.
Brazil called the 12.5% rate it faces “unjustified”; Japan said it regretted the tariffs; Australia called them “completely unjustified.”
China denied allegations of forced labour, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating, “There is no so-called forced labour in China.”
Several international human rights groups have said forced labour exists in China, particularly among Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.
Conflicting accounts
The article reports that China denies allegations of forced labour, while several international human rights groups say forced labour does exist in China, particularly among Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.
Key figures
Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative
Donald Trump, US President
Deborah Elms, trade policy expert, Hinrich Foundation
Wendy Cutler, economic security expert, Asia Society Policy Institute
William Bain, head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
David Henig, director of UK trade policy, European Centre for International Political Economy
Don Farrell, Australian Trade Minister
Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson
Sources: BBC News
