How Trump is relaunching a tariff war citing ‘forced labour’ concerns
Summary
The Trump administration has restarted its tariff policy by using a different legal method to impose tariffs on imports from over 80 countries. This new approach targets goods made with forced labor and affects many nations, including some U.S. allies, with tariffs of up to 12.5 percent.Key Facts
- The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced tariffs using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
- The tariffs target imports from about 60 economies, totaling over 80 countries including the European Union, Canada, and the UK.
- Tariffs of up to 12.5 percent will be imposed on goods linked to forced labor.
- The previous tariff policy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.
- Section 301 allows the U.S. to investigate foreign trade practices and impose tariffs to protect American businesses.
- Critics say these tariffs may push other countries to seek trade deals without the U.S., like recent agreements between the EU and Mercosur or EU and India.
- The USTR claims the tariffs level the playing field for American workers facing unfair competition.
- The new tariffs were proposed in March after investigations found the targeted countries failed to stop imports made with forced labor.
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