Trump Imposes New Tariffs Citing Forced Labor, 60 Countries Listed with Taiwan and China in Different Groups

U.S. President Trump continues to advance trade protection measures. Ahead of the expiration of temporary tariffs on July 24, and influenced by a prior Supreme Court ruling, he announced new double-digit tariffs on multiple trade partners.

The United States will impose tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imported goods from 60 countries, which together account for 99% of total U.S. imports. The U.S. accuses these countries of insufficient implementation or enforcement of bans on goods produced by forced labor. The new tariff measures will take effect immediately after the temporary global 10% tariff expires at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on July 24.

Trump argues that long-term trade deficits constitute a national emergency.

According to the findings of the Section 301 investigation released by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in June 2026 and subsequent final measures, Taiwan has been identified as failing to adequately implement or effectively enforce regulations prohibiting the import of forced labor products. As a result, Taiwan is included in the tariff list of 60 economies. Taiwan is subject to a 10% additional tariff, falling into the lower-rate group, which includes approximately 14 to 16 countries. China, on the other hand, is placed in the 12.5% tariff group.

Previously, after the Supreme Court overturned Trump’s broad tariff plan in February, he implemented a temporary global tariff as a transitional measure. Now, he is relying on Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act to implement more durable tariff measures. This provision allows the President to impose import duties or other sanctions on countries engaging in 'unfair,' 'unreasonable,' or 'discriminatory' trade practices. During his first term, Trump previously used this authority to impose large-scale tariffs on China, which withstood legal challenges.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated investigations into 16 additional countries, accounting for 70% of U.S. imports, focusing on whether they are overproducing goods, depressing global prices, and negatively impacting U.S. businesses. These investigations are not yet complete, and more Section 301 tariffs may be introduced in the future.

Trump argues that high tariffs help revitalize American manufacturing, reversing decades of U.S. preference for low tariffs and free trade—a shift that began last year. He previously invoked the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose double-digit tariffs on imports from most countries, claiming that long-term trade deficits constituted a national emergency. However, the Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not authorize such tariffs, forcing the government to refund tariffs already collected.

In response to the court ruling, Trump subsequently announced a global 10% tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. However, this provision allows only a 150-day validity period, which expires on July 24.

Human Rights Groups: Measures Could Impact Global Forced Labor

The administration first proposed this wave of forced labor-related tariffs last month. According to an unnamed senior official, some countries have strengthened their forced labor enforcement during this period and thus received lower tariff rates. For example, Indian imports were originally slated for a 12.5% rate but have been adjusted to 10%.

The new tariff plan excludes certain products, including oil, natural gas, and fertilizers. It also exempts goods qualifying for duty-free treatment under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a North American trade deal negotiated during Trump’s first term.

Tariffs are ultimately paid by U.S. importers, who typically pass the costs on to consumers, leading to higher prices. Given that Americans are already frustrated with high living costs, introducing new tariffs before the November 3 midterm elections carries political risks.

Human rights observers note that while the motives behind the tariffs can be reasonably questioned, such measures could indeed impact the global forced labor problem. The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Forced Labour Convention in 1930, defining forced labor as 'all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.'

According to the latest statistics from the UN labor rights body ILO, approximately 27.6 million people worldwide were in forced labor on any given day in 2021.

Tariff threats have already prompted countries like India to revise their foreign trade policies.

Martina Vandenberg, founder and president of the Human Rights and Anti-Human Trafficking Legal Center, said her organization has long advocated for import bans, viewing them not as a panacea but as one effective tool to combat global forced labor. She noted that while she is highly critical of broad-based tariffs, import bans have indeed prompted countries to respond actively and take action.

Vandenberg also suggested that tariffs should be implemented in phases, allowing countries time to establish bans or enforcement plans. She emphasized concerns that without substantive enforcement mechanisms, import bans could become mere paper requirements, and countries need time to build meaningful, enforceable systems.

Kenya Davis, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner law firm, pointed out that the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, passed by the U.S. in 2021, was the most significant previous legislation targeting forced labor. It bans the import of all or partially produced goods from China’s Xinjiang region or designated entities. She believes that while its effectiveness remains debated, it has successfully raised public awareness of labor trafficking and forced labor issues. If the new tariffs can have a similar effect, they may at least further elevate global consciousness.

Isabelle Glimcher, senior research scientist at NYU Stern School of Business Global Labor Research Center, noted one drawback of this tariff wave: it primarily targets imported goods from countries rather than their domestically produced goods. However, the threat of tariffs has already prompted countries like India to revise their foreign trade policies to include forced labor import bans. The EU’s upcoming forced labor regulations, expected to take effect later next year, have also played a role. While not solely attributable to the Section 301 investigation, multiple countries have begun taking the issue seriously and acting accordingly.