Story perspectives

Trump Slaps 10-12% Forced-Labor Tariffs on 60 Nations

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump imposed 10%-12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries, covering more than 99% of U.S. imports, citing alleged forced-labor violations.
The duties began Friday, replacing a 10% levy that ended after Supreme Court struck down its justification in February.
U.S. Trade Representative listed Britain, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand as partners.
Canada voiced concern.
Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand rejected the United States’ justification for measures.

History

Historical Context

On August 15 1971 President Richard Nixon imposed a 10 % import surcharge, ending gold convertibility and prompting the G-10’s December Smithsonian Agreement that devalued the dollar 7.9 %. The move sparked retaliatory tariffs, establishing a trade-war template. Treasury Secretary Katherine Tai later announced 10-12.5 % tariffs on 60 nations, echoing those 1971 new concerns.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump imposed 10%-12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries, covering more than 99% of U.S. imports, citing alleged forced-labor violations.
The duties began Friday, replacing a 10% levy that ended after Supreme Court struck down its justification in February.
U.S. Trade Representative listed Britain, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand as partners.
Canada voiced concern.
Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand rejected the United States’ justification for measures.

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