US moves toward tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 economies over forced labor
What's next: Public comments run through July 6, with hearings on July 7 as China and the EU push back on the plan.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, arguing they have failed to block goods made with forced labor. The action, launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, would hit a broad range of trading partners, including China, the European Union and Japan. USTR set out a 10% rate for economies with a full or partial ban on forced-labor trade and 12.5% for others, with a separate textile mechanism allowing some apparel imports at reduced rates. The proposal follows the Supreme Court's decision striking down most of President Donald Trump's earlier "Liberation Day" tariffs. China criticized the move, while an EU spokesperson called the rationale unjustified.