The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs on more than 60 trading partners, prompting criticism from several close US allies that reject its claim they are not doing enough to prevent goods made with forced labour entering their markets. The move matters because it renews broad trade barriers after earlier tariffs were ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court, adding uncertainty and potentially raising costs for businesses and consumers.

The latest duties range from 10% to 12.5% on almost all imports from the affected countries. Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Japan and China challenged the rationale; the UK said its 10% rate represented no negative change, citing its comparatively favourable trade arrangement and zero tariff on Scotch whisky.