The United States announced new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners to address concerns over forced-labor enforcement [1].

These measures represent a significant shift in trade policy by linking customs duties directly to human rights enforcement. By imposing these costs, the Trump administration aims to pressure global partners into stricter adherence to forced-labor bans.

The United States Trade Representative said the policy on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with the new duties taking effect immediately [1], [2]. The move coincides with the expiration of a previous temporary 10% duty, which was set to end at midnight Eastern Time on July 24, 2026 [2].

Under the new framework, the U.S. will apply tariff rates of 10% [2] or 12.5% [3] on imports from the 60 affected partners [1]. The administration said the tariffs are intended to address alleged lax enforcement of forced-labor bans within those countries [1], [3].

While some reports suggest specific rates for individual nations, official documentation indicates the 10% to 12.5% range applies across the group of 60 partners [2], [3]. The U.S. government has not provided a separate, distinct rate for every individual country in the group.

This policy targets a broad array of global trade partners, encompassing various regions and industries, to ensure that goods entering the U.S. market are not produced using forced labor [1], [3].

“The United States announced new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners to address concerns over forced-labor enforcement.”

This move signals a transition from temporary trade measures to a more permanent integration of labor standards into U.S. trade costs. By replacing a flat expiring duty with a tiered system of 10% to 12.5%, the U.S. is using economic leverage to force trading partners to improve their internal monitoring of forced labor, potentially increasing the cost of imported goods for U.S. consumers and businesses.