Washington [US], July 24 – The United States has imposed new tariffs on nearly 60 of its major trading partners accusing them of failing to take sufficient action to prevent the import of goods produced through forced labour.
The new measures which took effect on Friday impose additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from affected countries including the United Kingdom, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan and India. Together the countries account for about 99.4% of total US imports.
Since returning to office for a second term President Donald Trump has made tariffs a central pillar of his economic agenda arguing they will protect American industries, boost domestic manufacturing and create jobs.
The US administration is also investigating 16 additional countries over alleged abuses related to production practices which can lead to further future tariffs. The latest action follows the Supreme Court’s decision in February to strike down broader tariffs imposed earlier by the administration. Trump has since shifted to using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the president to impose import duties on countries deemed to engage in unfair, unreasonable or discriminatory trade practices.
Under the new policy countries including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia will face a 10% tariff, while China, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Australia are among roughly 44 countries subject to a 12.5% tariff.
Brazil condemned the move as arbitrary and unfair, while Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said there was no justification for imposing tariffs on Norway. Analysts warn the added costs are likely to be passed on to US consumers through higher prices.
