US introduces new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners

New tariffs of 10% to 12.5% have been introduced by the Trump administration on imports from 60 trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, replacing temporary duties that expired on 24 July
The new tariffs, introduced under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are based on the finding that certain countries have not adequately enforced bans on goods produced using forced labour. Those deemed to have made progress in this area will face a 10% tariff, while others will be subject to a 12.5% tariff.
“The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same”, told US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The new tariffs have taken effect just as the temporary 10% tariffs imposed worldwide were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. today. Trump introduced these temporary levies in February after the Supreme Court overturned his most significant tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
According to the administration, the new duties apply to imports from 60 economies, accounting for around 99.4% of US imports. However, some products, including oil, gas and fertilisers, are exempt. The White House has indicated that it may take further action through other legal mechanisms.
Several trading partners have criticised the new tariffs. The European Union and Switzerland rejected the administration’s allegations regarding the enforcement of forced labour, and Australia described the tariffs as “completely unjustified”.
Meanwhile, Brazil, which will face a 12.5% tariff under the new measures, called the decision “arbitrary and unjustified”. The government stated that it will activate its reciprocity law, which could lead to retaliatory tariffs on US goods. In contrast, Norway stated that it does not intend to retaliate with tariffs on US goods, and Mexico claimed that the announcement would not alter its current effective tariff rate.
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