The United States has announced plans to impose new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 major trading partners, citing concerns that these countries have not done enough to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering global supply chains.
The proposed measures mark the second major tariff initiative by President Donald Trump’s administration since the US Supreme Court struck down several earlier import duties in February. According to the US Trade Department, the tariffs are intended to address what Washington sees as unfair trade practices linked to forced labour.
A government investigation found that 54 countries lacked adequate legal bans on importing goods made with forced labour, while six others, including Pakistan, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, were accused of failing to properly enforce existing restrictions.
Under the proposal, Pakistan, the UK, the EU, Mexico, Malaysia, Taiwan, and several other countries would face 10% tariffs. China, India, and 43 additional nations would be subject to 12.5% duties.
Several affected countries rejected the allegations, while human rights groups questioned whether tariffs alone would effectively combat forced labour worldwide.
