U.S. Proposes Targeted Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners for Failing to Block Forced-Labor Imports

The Trump administration proposed tariffs of 10% or more on 60 trading partners accused of failing to block imports made with forced labor. S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's office announced the planned tariffs late Tuesday.

U.S. imports. China, Japan, South Korea and Brazil are among those facing the higher rate. Sixteen partners face a lower 10% rate. The United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Taiwan and Argentina are among those listed at 10%.

Greer's office said these partners are taking steps or have made commitments to block forced labor. Beef, tomatoes and coffee are exempt from the proposed tariffs. The office is also considering a rule that would allow some textiles to enter at a reduced rate if the exporting country imports an equal quantity of American textiles.

"The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable," Greer said in a statement issued late Tuesday. "This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field. " The tariffs must go through a comment process before taking effect.

The announcement lists the 60 partners that have allegedly failed to impose and effectively enforce rules prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labor. The tariffs rest on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. That law gives the government authority to investigate unfair trade practices and impose tariffs or other restrictions.

The Supreme Court struck down the administration's earlier country-by-country tariff system in February. The court ruled that an emergency powers law invoked by the government did not authorize tariffs.

Section 122 allows tariffs for up to 150 days in response to large balance-of-payments deficits. Greer's office launched separate Section 301 investigations in March into 16 countries for structural excess capacity.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in early March that he believed tariff rates would return to prior levels within five months and described Section 301 measures as slower but legally more robust. Tariffs have been a core part of President Trump's economic agenda. His administration argues that duties on imports can reduce trade deficits and address what it views as unfair practices.