Trump administration rolls out new tariffs as previous global levy expires

The administration replaced a 10 percent global tariff that expired at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Friday with a two-tier system of 10 percent and 12.5 percent duties on goods from the United States' 60 largest trading partners, including the European Union. The tariffs, imposed under a law that addresses unfair trade practices, are justified by officials as a response to imports made with forced labor.

A senior official said the timing was intended to simplify compliance for businesses, while also emphasizing the administration's commitment to ending forced labor. The U.S. Trade Representative’s fact sheet claims the United States is the only country to enforce a ban on such imports.

In addition to the new tariffs, the president signed proclamations that will raise duties on certain Canadian products by 50 percent within a month, invoking a rarely used 1930 statute. He has also threatened future tariffs on pharmaceuticals, though those would not take effect for two years.

Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, argue the measures are a re-branding of previously rejected tariffs and question the stated labor-rights rationale. Trade experts note that the growing array of statutes—identified by sections 122, 338, 232, and 301—creates a more complex regulatory environment for importers than a year ago.

The administration continues investigations under Section 301 into additional countries and the EU, alleging unfair manufacturing practices. Polls indicate declining public support for the tariff policy, even as officials maintain that the actions aim to bolster U.S. manufacturing over the long term.