Trump Imposes Section 301 Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners

President Donald Trump implemented a new package of tariffs on imports from 60 countries effective July 24, 2026. Ranging from 10% to 12.5%, the duties cover approximately 99.4% of all U.S. imports. The administration used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, following a U.S. Trade Representative investigation that found these nations failed to prohibit and enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor.

These measures replace temporary duties and follow a February Supreme Court of the United States ruling that struck down the 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs, which forced the government to refund over $80 billion. While the administration maintains it is addressing human rights, critics and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden argue the forced labor justification is a pretext to bypass judicial rulings and reimpose global trade barriers without congressional approval.

International reactions have been sharply critical. The Government of Brazil called the move arbitrary, and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell described the tariffs as "completely unjustified." Domestically, the Liberty Justice Center and several small businesses have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the measures. The National Council of Textile Organizations also protested specific carve-outs that exempt textile imports from countries including Bangladesh and Cambodia.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testified to the Senate Finance Committee that although the legal authorities shifted from emergency powers to Section 301, the administration's overall trade strategy remains consistent. Future actions are expected to target intellectual property theft and strategic industries like robotics and semiconductors.