The U.S. government imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 trading partners starting Friday, July 24, 2026 [1].
These measures represent a significant shift in trade policy designed to enforce U.S. bans on forced labor. By targeting a wide array of global partners, the administration aims to eliminate goods produced through coerced labor from entering the domestic market.
The new tariff structure replaces a temporary 10% global tariff that had been in place for 150 days [3]. The current action is led by President Donald Trump and affects goods from various regions, including China and the European Union [1].
According to official data, these tariffs apply to 99 percent of all goods entering the United States [2]. The administration said the move is necessary to address concerns that imported goods are produced with forced labor and to strengthen the enforcement of existing bans [1].
The shift from a flat global rate to specific tariffs for 60 different partners [1] suggests a more targeted approach to trade enforcement. This strategy allows the U.S. to apply varying rates of 10% and 12.5% depending on the trading partner [1].
Trading partners have already begun expressing protests over the new levies [1]. The administration said the financial pressure is the primary tool to ensure international compliance with human rights and labor standards.
“The new tariff structure replaces a temporary 10% global tariff that had been in place for 150 days.”
The transition from a temporary global tariff to a structured system targeting 60 partners indicates a long-term strategy to use trade barriers as a primary tool for human rights enforcement. By covering nearly all imports, the U.S. is effectively forcing global supply chains to certify the absence of forced labor or face significant costs, which may lead to increased consumer prices or a shift in sourcing away from high-risk regions.
