US cites forced labour concerns as grounds for new tariffs

Australia is among 54 countries facing a potential 12.5% trade tariff from the Trump administration for allegedly failing to prevent imports of goods made with slave labor. The US Trade Representative's office stated these countries have not effectively enforced prohibitions on such imports, creating unfair competition for American workers. Australia's trade minister disputes these findings, asserting the country has robust legislation against forced labor and considers any tariffs unjustified. The US is seeking feedback on the proposed tariffs, which are set to expire on July 24th. Other nations, including China, India, and the UK, are also subject to similar tariffs.

The Trump administration is proposing additional tariffs of 10% or more on goods from dozens of major trading partners. This action follows a probe into imports allegedly made with forced labor, with the U.S. Trade Representative stating that partners have failed to enforce import bans on such goods. Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom are among those facing a 10% tariff, while China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, and Switzerland, along with others, will face a 12.5% tariff. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that this is to ensure American workers are not at a disadvantage and that trade does not encourage forced labor. These proposed tariffs are subject to public comment and review and are not immediately effective.

The United States plans to impose new 25 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing unfair trade practices, including illegal deforestation and digital trade issues. The tariffs, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, stem from a nearly year-long investigation under Section 301 of US trade policy. The US government contends that Brazil's trade practices are unreasonable and restrict US commerce, pointing to agreements Brazil has with Mexico and India. A public comment period is open until July 1, with a hearing scheduled for July 6. While beef, coffee, and rare earths are among potential exemptions, the move follows a deterioration in US-Brazil relations.

The Trump administration has proposed a 25% tariff on many Brazilian imports, citing unfair trade practices. Top trade official Jamieson Greer announced the proposed measures on Monday, which fall under the Section 301 trade statute. These tariffs address issues including digital trade, illegal deforestation, electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, intellectual property protection, and ethanol market access. The proposed tariffs are open for public consultation until July 15 and will exclude certain items like beef, coffee, rare earths, metals, energy, and aircraft parts.