President Donald Trump and his administration imposed new tariffs on roughly 60 trading partners just after midnight on Friday [1, 2].

These measures expand the cost of goods entering the U.S. and link trade policy to human rights enforcement regarding forced labor. By targeting a vast array of global partners, the administration is leveraging import duties to pressure foreign governments to clean up their supply chains.

The new tariffs were implemented the moment a prior round of duties expired on Friday [2, 7]. According to the administration, the move follows an investigation into the failure of approximately 60 trade partners to prevent forced labor within their supply chains [1, 3, 5]. The administration said the tariffs are intended to protect American workers [1, 3, 5].

Tariff rates vary based on the specific country and product, ranging from 10% to 12.5% [3]. Specifically, 17 countries will face a 10% tariff [4]. Another 38 countries are subject to a 12.5% tariff after failing to enforce bans on forced labor [6]. Additionally, five countries will receive tariffs between 10% and 12.5%, depending on the product [5].

The scale of the policy is broad, with tariffs of at least 10% expected to be collected on roughly 99% of all U.S. imports [1]. This sweeping approach ensures that nearly all foreign goods entering the country are subject to some level of additional taxation.

While the administration frames the move as a moral and economic necessity to combat forced labor, the breadth of the 60-country list suggests a systemic shift in how the U.S. manages its trade relationships. The immediate implementation upon the expiration of previous duties indicates a strategy of continuous pressure on global trade partners [2, 7].

“Tariffs of at least 10% will be collected on roughly 99% of all U.S. imports”

This policy represents a pivot toward using broad-based tariffs as a primary tool for international human rights enforcement. By applying duties to nearly 99% of imports across 60 different nations, the U.S. is effectively creating a global baseline cost for trade that can only be lowered if partner nations prove they have eradicated forced labor from their supply chains.