USTR Signals Tariffs of Up to 12.5% on 60 Economies as Trump Rebuilds Trade Regime
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 21
USTR Signals Tariffs of Up to 12.5% on 60 Economies as Trump Rebuilds Trade Regime
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 21
Summary
Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies could be announced within days, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer saying the White House expects action soon after briefing Congress and stakeholders.
The new duties would reach up to 12.5% and cover about 99% of U.S. trade, using forced-labor allegations as the legal basis for a broader tariff framework expected to better survive court challenges.
That push comes before Trump's temporary 10% Section 122 tariffs expire Friday, after the Supreme Court in February struck down his wider reciprocal tariff regime built under emergency powers.
The administration has already widened its tariff campaign with 25% duties on most Brazilian imports due Wednesday and new 50% tariffs on selected Canadian goods in 30 days, prompting Canada to intensify talks while keeping retaliation options open.
Trade lawyers say tariffs tied to forced labor and Section 301 authority could prove far more durable politically and legally, helping Trump restore much of the protectionist agenda lost in court.
With the U.S. levying unilateral tariffs on 60 nations, what does this mean for the future of global trade law?
As new tariffs target nearly all U.S. trade, how will global supply chains and economic alliances be permanently altered?
Can tariffs on 60 nations truly combat forced labor, or will they primarily raise costs for American consumers?
U.S. Proposes New Section 301 Tariffs on 60 Economies: Legal, Economic, and Geopolitical Impacts After Supreme Court Ruling
Overview
The United States Trade Representative has proposed new Section 301 tariffs as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to rebuild trade measures after previous tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court. These tariffs aim to address unfair foreign trade practices, with a special focus on combating forced labor in global supply chains. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 gives the President authority to impose these levies, which are not limited by the same time or rate restrictions as earlier Section 122 tariffs. This shift allows for more sustained and targeted trade policy interventions.