US President Donald Trump has imposed a new round of tariffs on imports from at least 60 trading partners, including India, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, citing inadequate enforcement of bans on goods produced through forced labor. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, take effect at 12:01 AM Friday, replacing temporary import taxes that expire the same day.
The move follows a February Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump’s earlier ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs imposed in April 2025. The administration frames this action as part of its broader effort to curb forced labor and encourage trading partners to adopt stricter import regulations.
How the New Tariff Structure Works
Countries such as China, the United Kingdom, and Japan—which the White House says lack laws prohibiting imports made with forced labor—will face 12.5% tariffs. Meanwhile, economies including India, Sri Lanka, and the European Union will continue to face 10% tariffs after introducing or committing to forced labor import restrictions.
Some imports, including products covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and oil and gas shipments, have been exempted from the latest tariff measures.
US Defends Move as Human Rights Measure
“The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it. It’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same,” said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. “Today’s action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and a distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere.”
India Avoids Higher Tariff
For India, the latest announcement means exports to the US will continue to attract a 10% tariff, avoiding the additional 12.5% penalty previously threatened. The White House noted that India, along with Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago, had introduced forced labor import prohibitions or made commitments under reciprocal trade agreements, leading to the lower tariff rate.
More Trade Measures Expected
According to a Washington Post report, the Trump administration is preparing another round of tariffs targeting countries accused of subsidizing excess manufacturing capacity. The proposed measures are expected to focus on low-cost imports that US officials argue disadvantage American manufacturers, signaling that more trade actions could be announced in the coming weeks.