U.S. Proposes Forced-Labor Tariffs On 60 Trading Partners Under Section 301
On June 2, 2026, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10% or more on imports from 60 trading partners over alleged forced-labor enforcement failures.[1]
Most countries — including China, Japan, South Korea and Brazil — face a proposed 12.5% rate, while 16 partners including the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan and Argentina were assigned a 10% rate.[1] Certain goods such as beef, tomatoes and coffee are exempt, and USTR is weighing reduced tariffs for some textiles if partner countries import matching quantities of U.S. textiles.[1] The tariffs will go through a public comment process before taking effect, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects tariff levels to be restored under Section 301 within about five months.[1]
In February 2026, the Supreme Court struck down prior emergency-powers tariffs, and a trade court last month invalidated temporary duties imposed under Section 122.[1] The Greer proposal is framed as a way to rebuild the Trump-era tariff system after those rulings removed earlier emergency and temporary trade measures.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On June 2, 2026, USTR Jamieson Greer proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10% or more on imports from 60 trading partners over alleged forced-labor enforcement failures.
- Most countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Brazil, face a proposed 12.5% rate, while 16 partners including the UK, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan and Argentina are assigned a 10% rate.
- The move seeks to rebuild Trump’s tariff system after the Supreme Court in February 2026 struck down prior emergency-powers tariffs and a trade court last month invalidated temporary Section 122 duties.
- Certain goods such as beef, tomatoes and coffee are exempt, and USTR is considering reduced tariffs for some textiles if partner countries import matching quantities of U.S. textiles.
- The tariffs will undergo a public comment process before taking effect, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he expects tariff levels to be restored via Section 301 within about five months.
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