US Plans Forced Labor Tariffs on 60 Economies
The Trump administration plans to add new tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union. The tariffs target places that have not stopped goods made with forced labor.
Two levels are proposed. Countries that took some steps face a 10% tariff.
The rest face a 12.5% tariff. The plan must go through a public review before it takes effect.
Some goods are exempt including beef, tomatoes and coffee. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer listed Australia among 54 economies that failed to enforce forced labor bans.
Australia's trade minister pushed back. The minister said Australia has strong laws on forced labor and modern slavery.
This new plan comes after the Supreme Court struck down Trump's earlier tariffs in February 2026. A temporary 10% tariff from that ruling ends on July 24.
Key Terms 5
- Tariffs Extra taxes added to goods bought from other countries
- Forced labor When people are made to work against their will
- US Trade Representative The US official who handles trade deals and disputes
- Public review A process where people can give feedback before a law takes effect
- Supreme Court The highest court in the United States