US announces tariffs on dozens of countries over forced labour concerns
The US is imposing new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 trading partners, citing failures to address forced labour. This move escalates global trade tensions and follows previous legal challenges to the administration's trade policies.
Why it matters
These tariffs could significantly impact global supply chains and consumer prices, marking a major shift in US trade enforcement strategy.
Image source, Getty Images By Michael Race and Francisco Velasquez , Business reporters , Reporting from New York Published 23 July 2026, 22:25 BST Updated 14 minutes ago The US is imposing new tariffs on imports from around 60 trading partners over claims they failed to properly stop forced labour.
The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target key economic partners – including the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and India. They are set to go into effect on Friday.
The move is the latest escalation in the global trade war which was reignited by US President Donald Trump when he returned to office in January last year.
It comes after the US Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that many of the tariffs imposed globally under emergency powers were illegally enacted. The president has since sought other legal avenues to push through his flagship trade policy.
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