US Plans New Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Concerns

The United States has proposed new tariffs on imports from around 60 economies after finding that many countries have failed to adequately address forced labor in global supply chains.

The proposal comes from the US Trade Representative (USTR), which said the lack of action against forced labor-linked goods creates unfair competition for American workers and distorts international trade.

Tariff Rates Set at 10% and 12.5%

Under the plan, imports from several major trading partners including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan, and others could face additional tariffs of 10%.

A separate group of roughly 45 countries could face higher duties of 12.5% depending on the findings of the investigation.

The US government said the move is part of a broader effort to rebuild trade enforcement tools following a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier tariff measures.

Forced Labor Investigation Drives Trade Action

Officials said the tariffs are based on a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices related to forced labor. The US Trade Representative stated that failure to stop the import of goods linked to forced labor creates an unbalanced global market.

However, certain key products such as energy supplies, rare earth minerals, specific metals, agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and aircraft parts are expected to be exempt from the new duties.

The proposal is not final and will go through a public consultation process, with comments accepted until early July and a hearing scheduled shortly after.

Broader US Trade Strategy Expands

The tariff plan is part of a wider trade enforcement push that also includes separate investigations into digital trade practices and industrial overcapacity in several countries.

US officials say the goal is to protect domestic industries while pressuring trading partners to improve labor standards and trade compliance.