US Imposes New Tariffs on 60 Countries

The US has introduced new tariffs on 60 countries, effective Friday. The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and affect major economies like China, India, and the European Union.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said it's time for trading partners to enforce a forced labor import ban. The US has had this ban for nearly a century.

The targeted economies represent most of the US trade. The US Trade Representative made this point earlier.

The Trump administration is rebuilding its tariff wall after the Supreme Court struck down some tariffs in February. This limited the president's ability to impose steep tariffs.

After the setback, Trump used different authorities to reimpose a 10% tariff on imports. However, this tariff only lasts 150 days and expires Friday. New duties will replace it.

The measures were planned after a months-long investigation. They are more resistant to legal challenges than earlier moves.

Economies that have implemented a forced labor import prohibition or committed to do so will get a lower 10% rate. These include Canada, the EU, India, and the UK.

China, Japan, South Korea, and dozens of others will get a higher 12.5% tariff. This is because they have not implemented a forced labor import prohibition.

The EU, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland will get some relief. This is due to trade pacts they previously reached with the US.

President Donald Trump spoke with reporters at the White House on April 6, 2026.

The new tariffs were quickly criticized by target countries. Japan's government spokesman said Tokyo regrets the tariffs.

Australia's trade minister said the tariffs are unjustified. He argued they are inconsistent with their free trade agreement.

Goods already facing sector-specific tariffs will not be impacted. This includes steel and aluminum.

Certain energy products and fertilizers will be exempt. So will goods covered by the US-Mexico-Canada free trade pact.

The US is maintaining its leverage over trading partners.

Washington is investigating 16 economies over excess industrial capacity. This could lead to additional duties.

The Trump administration's move maintains leverage over its trading partners. It also creates an incentive for countries to comply with trade pacts.

Shipping containers are shown at the Port of Los Angeles. This is a major hub for international trade.

Officials want their incoming tariffs to be robust if there are court challenges. This is why they are spending time on investigations.

The new tariffs make it more likely that they will stay for the duration of Trump's term. This signals a more protectionist US economy.

Resurrecting tariffs also boosts government revenues.

The latest tariffs come after a 25% tariff took effect on Brazilian goods. The US accused Brazil of unfair trade practices.

Trump also ordered new 50% tariffs on many Canadian products. This is due to Ottawa's discriminatory treatment of American goods.

The Canadian tariffs rely on an untested legal provision. This shows that Trump has other tools to swiftly wield.

The EU expects the US to honor its commitments under the EU-US Joint Statement. This is despite the fragile nature of US tariff deals.

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