US Imposes Forced Labor Tariffs

The US government has announced new tariffs on 60 countries because these countries have not done enough to stop goods made with forced labor from being imported.

The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and will start on July 24, 2020.

The US is using a law from 1974 to impose these tariffs.

Some countries, like Canada and the EU, will get a lower tariff rate because they have already banned forced labor imports.

Other countries, like China and Japan, will get a higher tariff rate.

Goods that are already covered by other tariffs or are part of free trade agreements will not be affected.

The US is also investigating 16 more countries for possible additional tariffs.

This move is seen as a way for the US to maintain pressure on its trading partners to follow trade agreements and could lead to a more protectionist trade policy.