Key facts
- Donald Trump proposed tariffs of at least 10% on imports from approximately 60 countries.
- The tariffs are cited as a measure against forced-labor practices.
- Affected partners include Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan, and the UK.
- Experts suggest the tariffs may be counterproductive to fighting forced labor.
- The EU has rejected the tariffs as unjustified.
President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs of at least 10% or 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 countries, citing their failure to curb trade in goods made with forced labor. This initiative stems from a Section 301 investigation, aiming to reinstate tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Affected partners include Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan, and the UK. However, experts, business groups, and some human rights organizations argue that the measure will do little to combat modern slavery and could potentially worsen the situation. They point out that the tariffs are driven more by trade volumes and geopolitical considerations than the severity of exploitation, and that the EU's own forthcoming regulations may be more comprehensive. The International Labour Organization estimates 27.6 million people are in forced labor globally, with nearly half in export-related sectors.