WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from more than 60 trading partners, citing concerns over inadequate enforcement against goods allegedly produced through forced labor.
The new tariffs took effect on July 24, with Pakistan among the countries facing a 10% tariff on certain exports to the United States.
According to the White House, the move reflects President Donald Trump’s renewed trade policy agenda and is intended to encourage stronger action against the import and export of products linked to forced labor.
The latest measures are being implemented under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, providing a different legal basis from earlier tariff actions. In February 2026, the US Supreme Court struck down a previous round of tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% that had been introduced under a separate presidential authority.
US officials said the affected countries had not taken sufficient steps to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labor or to effectively enforce related laws.
Countries subject to the 10% tariff include Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Cambodia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, among others.
An additional 38 countries will face a 12.5% tariff under the new policy.
Several US trading partners, including Australia and Brazil, criticized the decision, calling the tariffs unfair and indicating they would seek their removal. Norway also objected, saying the measures were based on unfounded allegations.
The White House said the tariffs will not apply to imports such as crude oil, natural gas, selected food products and fertilizers. Products already covered under Section 232 national security tariffs, including steel, aluminum, automobiles and copper, are also exempt.
