Trump slaps new tariffs on 80+ nations as forced labor crackdown intensifies

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping new round of tariffs on more than 80 U.S. trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China, and all 27 European Union member states. The levies, announced late Thursday by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, range from 10% to 12.5% and replace a blanket 10% global duty that was set to expire just after midnight Friday. The move marks the latest attempt by President Donald Trump to push aggressive trade policies despite legal setbacks and growing public opposition.

Legal basis and forced labor justification

The new tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law aimed at countering unfair trade practices, specifically targeting countries that engage in forced labor. Greer said in a statement that the action “will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice.” The administration had promised permanent tariffs after the Supreme Court in February struck down earlier tariff measures as unconstitutional, ruling that only Congress has the authority to levy taxes during peacetime.

Trump initially imposed a 10% baseline tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on what he called “liberation day” last April, but the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in February forced him to scramble. He quickly turned to an obscure trade law that had never been used before, resulting in the now-expiring 150-day tariff regime. The latest Section 301 tariffs are designed to stick, though they face almost certain legal challenges.

Legal experts question presidential authority

Legal scholars have warned that the new tariffs may constitute presidential overreach. Alan Wolff, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, wrote on Thursday that the measure “again raise the question of whether the president has the legal authority to determine and implement US tariff policy.” Wolff argued that Congress did not delegate such broad authority and that the tariffs would likely be overturned if challenged in court. The Brookings Institution noted in a March analysis that Section 301 has long been controversial and used sparingly.

The administration, however, appears determined to press ahead. Trump has repeatedly called tariffs “the most beautiful word in the dictionary” and views them as critical for protecting American jobs, reducing trade deficits, and countering what he sees as unfair practices by trading partners.

Political and economic fallout

Outside the courtroom, Trump’s tariff policies have proven unpopular with the American public. A Harris Poll survey conducted exclusively for the Guardian earlier this year found that seven in 10 Americans said they paid higher prices because of the tariffs. That sentiment could pose a threat to Republicans in the November midterm elections.

Economists warn that the new round of tariffs could further disrupt global supply chains and raise consumer costs. The targeted countries include major U.S. allies and key trading partners, raising the stakes for diplomatic relations. Some nations have already moved to adopt forced-labor import prohibitions, which Greer welcomed, saying he looked forward to ensuring their effective enforcement.

What comes next

With legal challenges likely and political headwinds mounting, the durability of the latest tariffs remains uncertain. The Trump administration has signaled it will continue to use trade law aggressively to reshape global commerce. However, the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling suggests that the president’s unilateral tariff powers may be limited. As the midterms approach, the administration faces a delicate balancing act between its base’s enthusiasm for tough trade measures and the broader electorate’s concerns about rising prices and economic stability.