The Trump administration on Friday implemented new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including China and the European Union. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the duties were enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 because these nations failed to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labor. The targeted countries have denied the allegations.
The new measures took effect immediately following the expiration of a prior 10% global tariff. This action follows a February U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down previous "reciprocal" duties. While the new tariffs cover an estimated 99.4% of U.S. imports, the administration included exemptions for specific commodities, such as oil, gas, fertilizer, and certain food products.
Trading partners provided varied responses to the announcement. A spokesperson for the European Commission noted that the rates aligned with previous U.S. tariff commitments, while the British government stated the move would not negatively impact its businesses, highlighting zero tariffs on whisky. Conversely, the Chinese government expressed opposition to the unilateral duties, stating that trade conflicts do not benefit any involved parties.
The 60 nations were assigned different rates based on the U.S. assessment of their forced labor enforcement. Argentina, Canada, Mexico, and 15 others received a 10% duty. The European Union, Japan, and South Korea were assigned rates that, combined with existing duties, reach a 10% or 12.5% total. Vietnam and China were among 38 countries assigned a 12.5% rate. The administration is also conducting a separate investigation into "excess capacity" that may result in future duties for 16 major trading partners.