USTR Proposes 10-12.5% Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Failures

On June 2, 2026, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced findings from a Section 301 investigation into forced labor practices across 60 countries, which collectively account for 99.4% of all U.S. imports. The investigation found that six countries failed to enforce forced labor laws and that none of the 60 nations had sufficient measures to prevent the import of goods made with forced labor. The USTR has proposed a 10% tariff on 15 economies, including Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, while 44 other countries—including Japan, South Korea, and Australia—face a higher 12.5% tariff rate. The proposed tariffs follow the Supreme Court's February 2026 decision striking down President Trump's earlier global tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which are set to expire in late July 2026. The new tariffs will not take effect immediately; public comments are due by July 6, 2026, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7, 2026. Several affected nations, including Australia and the European Union, have criticized the tariffs as unjustified.