US announces tariffs on dozens of countries over forced labour concerns

The United States is imposing tariffs on imports from roughly 60 trading partners, citing allegations that those nations have failed to adequately eliminate forced labour. The duties, set between 10 percent and 12.5 percent, will apply to key economic partners including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and India, and are scheduled to take effect on Friday. The move marks the latest escalation in the global trade war that was reignited when President Donald Trump returned to office last January. It follows a ruling earlier this year by the US Supreme Court that many of the tariffs imposed worldwide under emergency powers were enacted illegally. In response, the administration has pursued alternative legal avenues to advance its flagship trade agenda. President Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a tool to boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen the American economy, while also leveraging them to pressure other countries on non‑trade matters such as labour standards. Most recently, the White House highlighted Canadian imports, warning that goods crossing the northern border could face duties as high as 50 percent. Economists caution that higher tariffs raise the cost of everyday items like coffee and microwaves, noting that importing firms typically pass the added expense on to consumers through higher retail prices. The administration maintains that the measures are necessary to protect American workers and ensure fair competition. Business groups and the affected nations are expected to challenge the tariffs, with many trading partners already evaluating possible legal actions or retaliatory duties. Meanwhile, the US Trade Representative is investigating 16 countries—which together account for the bulk of US imports—for alleged manufacturing overcapacity, a probe that could lead to additional duties later this year.