WASHINGTON — The United States is replacing its expiring global 10% import levy with new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from roughly 60 trading partners, taking effect Friday after the Trump administration cited inadequate action against forced labor.
The duties, authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, supersede the worldwide emergency tariffs in place since February 24 that faced a 150-day statutory limit. Steel, aluminum, oil, gas, and goods already loaded onto ships are exempt. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said his office reviewed more than 1,600 written submissions and heard testimony from over 100 witnesses before finalizing the measures. Certain European Union products are also affected, though most EU exports remain governed by a separate arrangement capping duties at 15%.
The Center for American Progress called the tariff policy unprecedented and harmful to the US economy, while the Tax Policy Center estimates the levies will cost American households an average of $960 annually.