KABUL (Pajhwok): The Trump administration on Friday imposed new import tariffs of 10% and 12.5%on goods from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, citing inadequate enforcement of bans on products made with forced labor.
According to Reuters, the new duties took effect immediately after a temporary 10% global tariff expired, marking the latest step in President Donald Trump’s effort to revive his broader tariff agenda after the U.S. Supreme Courtstruck down his earlier reciprocal tariffs in February.
The tariffs, announced in a Federal Register notice on Thursday, apply to 99.4% of U.S. imports, although several products—including oil and gas, fertilizer, and certain food items—are exempt.
The measures were imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, providing a new legal basis after the Supreme Court invalidated tariffs introduced under emergency powers.
Under the policy, imports from countries that Washington says adequately enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labor will be subject to a 10% tariff, while imports from other countries will face a 12.5% duty.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the action is intended to strengthen enforcement against forced-labor imports, uphold human rights, and promote fair competition in global trade.
Reuters said the new tariffs are expected to affect global trade flows and the United States’ economic relations with a number of its trading partners.
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