The United States has imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, China, Japan and South Korea, accusing them of failing to prevent imports linked to forced labour.

The tariffs, introduced under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, took effect on Friday as a temporary 10% global tariff expired. The White House said the measures are aimed at addressing human rights abuses and unfair trade practices.

The new duties cover 99.4% of US imports, although key products such as oil and gas, fertiliser, certain food items, aircraft parts and critical minerals are exempt.

Several countries rejected the allegations and criticised the tariffs. China opposed the move, while Australia, Brazil and Norway described the measures as unjustified. The European Union noted that the tariffs remained within the limits of its trade agreement with the US and pledged to continue negotiations.

The latest action marks the Trump administration’s first major trade measure since the US Supreme Court struck down its previous reciprocal tariff regime earlier this year.