US Proposes New Tariffs on Major Trading Partners Over Forced Labour Concerns

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Washington DC: The United States has proposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 major trading partners, arguing that they have not done enough to prevent goods made with forced labour from entering their markets.

The proposed duties would affect countries that account for nearly all U.S. imports, including Britain, the European Union, Canada, India, China and Japan. The tariffs have not yet taken effect and must go through a formal process before being implemented.

According to the U.S. Trade Department, an investigation launched earlier this year found that dozens of trading partners had either failed to ban imports linked to forced labour or had not effectively enforced existing restrictions. Countries such as China and India would face tariffs of 12.5%, while Britain, the EU, Canada and several others would be subject to 10% duties.

The move marks the second major tariff announcement by President Donald Trump's administration since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year struck down many of his previous trade measures.

Several countries quickly pushed back against the proposal. China rejected allegations that its goods are produced using forced labour, while the European Union described the planned tariffs as unjustified. Britain said it is taking steps to address forced labour in supply chains and remains engaged in discussions with Washington.

Trade experts in India said the tariffs appear to be part of broader U.S. pressure tactics and urged New Delhi to challenge the legal basis for the proposed measures.

The latest proposal adds to growing trade tensions between the United States and several of its largest economic partners as Washington seeks tougher action against forced labour practices in global supply chains.