US Trade Envoy Signals New Tariffs on 60 Economies

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Tuesday that the United States will soon implement new tariffs targeting approximately 60 trading partners, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the European Union. The proposed levies, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target countries that allegedly fail to prohibit or enforce laws against forced labor. Greer indicated these measures would cover roughly 99% of U.S. trade with the affected economies.

This move follows the upcoming Friday expiration of blanket 10% tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Those temporary duties were established by President Donald Trump after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in February that the president had exceeded his legal authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement broad worldwide tariffs.

The administration is now utilizing Section 301 of the 1974 trade law to conduct investigations into unfair foreign trade practices. While Greer expects action soon, he declined to provide a specific timeline, citing a responsibility to brief Congress and other stakeholders. These developments coincide with other recent measures, including a 25% tariff on Brazilian products and a 50% duty on many Canadian goods.