The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from dozens of major trading partners, including the EU, China, India, Japan, and the UK, following a forced labour investigation. The move is part of efforts to replace tariff revenue lost after recent court setbacks against earlier trade measures.
Officials argue the tariffs target countries failing to prevent imports linked to forced labour and aim to create a more level playing field for US workers. However, several exemptions are planned for critical goods such as aircraft parts, food products, and rare earth minerals, and the measures will go through public consultation before implementation.
The proposal has drawn immediate criticism from China and others, who reject the allegations and warn of trade tensions. The plan reflects a broader push by the US to expand tariff-based trade policy under Section 301 authority, despite legal challenges and concerns over rising global trade friction.