The US will impose new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on about 60 trading partners, alleging they have not adequately blocked imports made with forced labour. The measures affect major economies including the UK, China, the EU, Canada, Japan and India, and mark a further escalation in the trade conflict revived by President Donald Trump. They matter because they cover almost all US imports and could prompt legal challenges, retaliation and higher consumer prices.

The duties take effect on Friday as an earlier temporary 10% import tax expires, using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court ruled many previous emergency tariffs unlawful. Countries that have committed to enforcing forced-labour import bans will face a 10% tariff, while those without such commitments will pay 12.5%; the US says 10 partners have agreed to bans so far. The targeted partners account for 99.4% of US imports, while the administration is separately investigating 16 countries over manufacturing overcapacity, potentially leading to further tariffs.