The United States has imposed a fresh round of tariffs on imports from 60 of its largest trading partners, including the United Kingdom, China and the European Union, in the latest escalation of President Donald Trump’s trade policy….
The United States has imposed a fresh round of tariffs on imports from 60 of its largest trading partners, including the United Kingdom, China and the European Union, in the latest escalation of President Donald Trump’s trade policy.
The new duties, ranging from 10 to 12.5 per cent, took effect after a temporary tariff regime expired on Friday and now apply to goods accounting for almost all US imports.
The Trump administration said the tariffs are aimed at addressing forced labour in global supply chains, arguing that some trading partners have failed to take sufficient action against the practice.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the measures would help combat human rights abuses and unfair trade practices while improving workers’ welfare.
However, trade experts questioned the justification. Caroline Freund, Dean of the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, said the forced labour argument was largely a legal basis for reintroducing tariffs after the US Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that many of Trump’s previous tariffs, imposed under emergency powers, were unlawful.
Analysts said the move signals the administration’s determination to continue using tariffs as a key economic policy despite legal setbacks.
The new levies are expected to increase costs for businesses and consumers, although exemptions for some products may reduce the overall impact.
The announcement has drawn criticism from several countries. Brazil described the tariffs as “unjustified”, while Japan and Australia also expressed regret over the decision.
China rejected the allegations of forced labour, insisting there is “no so-called forced labour in China” and accusing Washington of using the issue for political purposes.
However, international human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over alleged forced labour involving Uyghur Muslims and other minority groups in China’s Xinjiang region.
The British Chambers of Commerce warned that the UK could lose its competitive edge to the European Union, arguing that the EU secured more favourable tariff arrangements.
Since returning to office, President Trump has made tariffs a cornerstone of his economic agenda, arguing they protect American manufacturing, reduce trade deficits and strengthen domestic industry.
The administration is also investigating several countries over alleged manufacturing overcapacity, raising the prospect of additional tariffs in the coming months.
