Trump accused of using forced labor as ‘convenient’ justification for tariffs

Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, on over 80 countries, including the UK, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China, and the EU. These measures replace previous global tariffs struck down by the US Supreme Court. The Trump administration cites dozens of countries' failure to enforce bans on goods produced by forced labor as the rationale for these new levies, imposed under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. However, allies like the EU, Australia, Brazil, and Norway have expressed bewilderment and disagreement with this justification, questioning its validity and stating they have honored existing trade agreements. The announcement has negatively impacted Asian stock markets.

The U.S. administration announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 economies, citing their failure to adequately enforce a ban on goods made with forced labor. These tariffs took effect Friday, following the expiration of previous stopgap levies. Trading partners, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the European Union, have strongly objected, calling the claims unfounded and the tariffs unjustified. Australia's trade minister stated that Australia takes modern slavery seriously and believes the tariffs are unwarranted. New Zealand's Prime Minister expressed disappointment, calling the tariffs harmful to trade. Investigations serving as the basis for the tariffs reportedly lacked meaningful evidence of forced labor. Experts suggest these tariffs, while contributing to higher prices, may be less disruptive than previous ones due to product exclusions.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, including wine, hockey sticks, and cement, set to take effect in 30 days. The White House cited "discriminatory treatment" by Canada against US alcohol, automobile, and dairy products as the reason for these punitive measures, invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. These tariffs, affecting approximately $20 billion of Canadian imports, are also attributed to the US trade deficit with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the tariffs violate the free trade agreement and expressed readiness to intensify discussions to resolve the dispute. The US administration indicated these new duties are separate from existing tariffs and do not apply to oil, gas, or critical minerals.

The United States, under Donald Trump's administration, has imposed a new 12.5% tariff on many Australian exports. This action, announced on Friday morning (AEST), is part of a broader regime affecting 54 economies deemed by the US trade department as failing to adequately prohibit and enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, has called the tariffs unjustified and inconsistent with the free trade agreement, stating Australia has strong measures against forced labor. Other countries, including Brazil, China, and Russia, also face the 12.5% tariff, while others like the UK and India will see a 10% tariff. The US claims to be the only country effectively enforcing a ban on imports made with forced labor and seeks global cooperation to eliminate it from supply chains.

President Donald Trump is implementing new double-digit tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, on imports from 60 countries. These tariffs, effective Friday, are a response to what the administration deems inadequate enforcement of bans on goods produced by forced labor. The move comes as temporary 10% worldwide tariffs, imposed after a Supreme Court ruling, expire. The new levies are being enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for sanctions against countries engaging in unfair trade practices. While some products are exempted, the tariffs are expected to impact 99% of U.S. imports. Human rights advocates acknowledge the potential impact on forced labor but express concerns about enforcement and implementation.

President Donald Trump has announced new 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, including wine, hockey sticks, and cement. These tariffs, set to take effect in 30 days, are being imposed due to Trump's claim of "discriminatory treatment" by Ottawa against certain U.S. products. The White House stated that these duties will impact items covered under the USMCA trade agreement, though energy and potash are exempted. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by calling the tariffs a "direct violation" of the USMCA and expressed readiness for discussions to resolve the dispute. The move has raised concerns about escalating trade tensions between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries, representing 99 percent of US trade. These tariffs, effective Friday, are justified by the administration as a measure to combat forced labor and distortive trade practices. The tariffs are being implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a legal basis that has previously survived court challenges. Countries with laws against forced labor imports, such as India and Pakistan, face a 10 percent tariff, while those without such laws, including China and the United Kingdom, are subject to 12.5 percent. This action follows the expiration of temporary tariffs previously enacted after a Supreme Court ruling. The US Trade Representative stated the goal is to improve worker welfare globally.

The US has imposed tariffs on approximately 60 trading partners for failing to adequately prohibit and enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. These new duties, invoked under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, cover 99.4% of US imports. Trading partners that have committed to adopting and effectively enforcing such bans will face a 10% tariff, while those that have not will be subject to a 12.5% tariff. The Office of the US Trade Representative stated that banning imports made with forced labor has been a critical component of reciprocal trade agreements. This action follows a separate imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian products earlier in the week under a different statute.

The United States has imposed new tariffs on over 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and EU member states. These tariffs, ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent, were announced late Thursday, just before a temporary 10 percent levy was set to expire. The action stems from a Section 301 investigation into forced labor, with the US asserting that current measures are insufficient to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering supply chains. According to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, this move aims to address human rights abuses and trade distortions, ultimately improving worker welfare globally.

President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on European Union cars and trucks, set to begin next week. Trump stated the EU is "not complying" with a previously agreed-upon trade deal, though he noted tariffs would be waived if vehicles are produced in U.S. plants. The European Commission rejected the non-compliance claim and indicated it would protect EU interests if the deal is not honored. This move could impact the global economy, which is already facing instability. The existing U.S.-EU trade agreement, forged after reciprocal tariffs were imposed, had set most goods tariffs at 15 percent. German auto industry representatives urged both sides to uphold the agreement and resolve the dispute, warning of significant costs for consumers.

Donald Trump announced he is increasing tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to the US from 15% to 25%, effective next week. He cited the EU's delay in ratifying a previously agreed-upon trade deal as the reason for this action. Vehicles manufactured in the US by EU companies will be exempt from the higher duties. This move blindsided Brussels and has drawn criticism from EU officials, who view it as a sign of untrustworthiness. The EU parliament had voted to advance the deal, but it still requires formal sign-off. The tariff increase follows recent threats by Trump to reduce US troop presence in European countries.