U.S. policy tool to curb forced labor in Xinjiang
The United States has set 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, arguing that they fail to enforce bans on goods made with forced labour. The tariffs take effect as prior global levies expire, with India and others qualifying for lower rates after tightening enforcement.
The US has imposed new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, saying they have not effectively enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour. The levies replace expiring temporary duties and include product exemptions, while trading partners from Brazil to Australia have criticised the move and markets have reacted with caution.
Beijing has announced a broad package of countermeasures in response to recent U.S. moves, including sanctions on American entities, tighter export controls on drones and dual-use tech, and case-by-case reviews of certain exports. The measures come ahead of high-level talks and are aimed at pressuring the United States while keeping room for de-escalation.