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The Trump administration has enacted broad tariffs affecting 60 trading partners and the European Union, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% taking effect Friday morning. These new levies replace temporary 10% global tariffs that expired simultaneously, covering approximately 99.4% of U.S. trade according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Administration officials characterized the action as an unprecedented international labor rights initiative, citing alleged forced labor violations by the targeted countries. The tariffs were implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, following an investigation concluded in early June. Officials stated that the new duties would not overlap with existing steel and aluminum tariffs previously imposed on national security grounds.
This tariff expansion marks a renewed escalation of the administration’s trade strategy after experiencing legal setbacks earlier in the year. Recent actions include 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports and planned 50% duties on Canadian goods. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized the administration’s commitment to using tariffs as leverage to support domestic manufacturing, protect workers, and reduce trade deficits, while simultaneously pursuing separate negotiations with foreign nations.
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