Trump administration to impose new global tariffs on around 60 countries

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new import tariffs on goods from around 60 countries. The new duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, will take effect on July 25. Washington says the measures are aimed at combating the use of forced labor in global supply chains.

The move marks the administration’s largest step toward restoring its tariff policy after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the previous tariff measures. Following an investigation, U.S. authorities concluded that a number of trading partners had failed to take sufficient action against imports of goods produced with forced labor.

Russia has been included in the list of countries subject to the new tariffs after previously avoiding such restrictions. Russian goods will face a 12.5% import duty. Ukraine, however, is not included on the list, meaning Ukrainian exports will not be affected by the new measures.

Countries that already have effective restrictions on imports made with forced labor will be subject to a 10% tariff. This group includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and India. Most other countries will face a 12.5% tariff, while imports from the European Union and Taiwan will be subject to duties of no more than 10%, and goods from Japan, South Korea and Switzerland will remain covered by the terms of their existing trade agreements with the United States.

The new tariffs will not apply to fuel, food products, fertilizers, automobiles, metals and pharmaceuticals that are already covered by separate sector-specific duties. Several countries have already criticized Washington’s decision, while analysts believe the measures will maintain a high level of tariff protection for the U.S. market and could represent another step toward a tougher trade policy under the Trump administration.

Tags: USA, duties