US imposes sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries

The United States is implementing a new round of tariffs on 60 economic partners starting this Friday. These import duties range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent and replace expiring global tariffs previously enacted by the administration.

These measures stem from allegations that trading partners have failed to prevent forced labour. The affected list includes dozens of countries and the European Union as a single entity, covering approximately 99 percent of total US imports. Products such as oil, gas, and fertilizer remain exempt from these changes.

The White House justified these actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This move targets trade practices deemed unreasonable or discriminatory. The rates are tiered based on whether a country has implemented or pledged to implement a forced labour import ban. Major economies including China, Japan, and South Korea face the higher 12.5 percent rate.

International reaction is mixed. Brazil labeled the decision as arbitrary and unjustified, confirming plans for retaliatory tariffs. In contrast, the European Union maintained a cautious stance. Officials noted that the new tariff structure aligns with commitments made during the 2025 Turnberry agreement between the US and the EU.

The administration shifted to these new levies after the Supreme Court blocked previous tariff attempts under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act earlier this year. These current measures are intended to withstand legal challenges that stalled prior efforts to shift trade policy.