United States Trade Representative

The Trump administration imposed double-digit tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing failures to enforce forced-labor import bans. Critics argue the tariffs replace expired temporary measures and sidestep Congressional approval, with affected nations disputing the claims as arbitrary.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 countries, citing inadequate enforcement of bans on goods made with forced labor. Trading partners including Australia, Japan, China, and New Zealand criticized the tariffs as unjustified, with officials and leaders from affected nations expressing dismay and vowing to challenge the measures.

President Donald Trump imposed new import tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on products from nearly 60 countries, including Canada, the EU, and Japan, citing forced labor conditions. These tariffs replace previous global tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court and could affect 99.4% of imports.

The U.S. Trade Representative must act by July 15, 2026, in its Section 301 case against Brazil. A proposed 25% duty on Brazilian goods was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2026, with an annex listing over 1,600 items.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a top presidential candidate, clashed over U.S. tariffs proposed by the Trump administration, which could apply 25% taxes on Brazilian products. Both candidates argued how public perception of their handling of the tariffs would influence the October election, with Lula defending Brazil’s sovereignty and Bolsonaro suggesting the tariffs would strengthen Lula’s position.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's two-day visit to India aims to finalize a trade agreement after months of tariff disputes, though India's protected farm sector remains a key obstacle. The talks may focus on settling tariff rates and improving strained political ties related to trade, Indian workers, and the Strait of Hormuz.

Former U.S. Trade Representative Tai has stated that US-China trade relations have reached a critical juncture. The comments highlight ongoing tensions and the need for strategic decisions in bilateral trade policy.