New U.S. Tariffs Loom: Trump Proposes 10% Duties on 60 Trade Partners Over Forced Labor Concerns

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping new trade offensive, initiating investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against 60 economies—including Norway, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The probe targets alleged failures to enforce bans on imports produced with forced labour, marking a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s February ruling that struck down President Trump’s previous tariffs, which had relied on emergency economic powers. The move could lead to new tariffs of at least 10% on affected imports, though final decisions remain pending hearings and public comment periods.

Why This Matters: A Legal and Economic Gambit

The administration’s strategy hinges on Section 301, a provision critics call one of the most potent tools in U.S. Trade law. Unlike the emergency powers the Supreme Court invalidated, Section 301 does not require congressional approval, making it harder to challenge in court. The investigations follow a March announcement of probes into forced labour practices, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer framing the issue as a matter of fairness: “Our vital trading partners’ inability to address forced-labor imports creates an unfair playing field for American workers.”

The timing is critical. The administration previously imposed a global 10% tariff under a separate authority, but those measures expire in July. Analysts warn the new push could escalate trade tensions amid global economic uncertainty, including disruptions from the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The investigations will now enter a 60-day period for public comment and hearings, with a July deadline for submissions.

Did You Know? The Trump administration’s previous tariffs, announced on “Liberation Day” in April 2025, were justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Supreme Court’s February decision overturned that legal basis, clearing the way for the Section 301 investigations as a potential replacement strategy.

What Could Happen Next: Three Possible Scenarios

Scenario 1: Tariffs Are Imposed If investigations conclude that the 60 economies have failed to address forced labour adequately, the U.S. Could impose tariffs—likely starting at 10%, with higher rates possible for countries with significant trade deficits. This could trigger retaliatory measures from affected nations, particularly allies like the EU and Canada, deepening trade friction.

Scenario 2: Legal Challenges Delay or Block Action While Section 301 is legally robust, trade partners may file lawsuits arguing the investigations lack sufficient evidence or violate WTO rules. Such challenges could prolong the process, leaving tariffs in limbo until after the November election, where trade policy remains a contentious issue.

Scenario 3: Diplomatic Pressure Prevails Some economies may respond by tightening their own forced-labor enforcement or offering concessions to avoid tariffs. Norway, for example, could face scrutiny over its supply chains, though the administration has not yet specified which sectors or products are under review.

Expert Insight: The move reflects a broader trend: trade policy is increasingly weaponized to address geopolitical and labour concerns, not just economic ones. Section 301 investigations are designed to bypass congressional hurdles, but their success depends on political will and global cooperation. If enforced, these tariffs could reshape supply chains—pushing companies to source from compliant nations or face higher costs. The risk? A fragmented trading system where unilateral actions undermine multilateral agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

[Question 1]

Why is Norway included in this investigation?

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The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has stated that Norway is among the 60 economies allegedly failing to enforce bans on imports produced with forced labour. The investigation does not yet specify which Norwegian industries or products are under review.

[Question 2]

How long will the investigation take?

The process includes a 60-day window for public comments and hearings, with submissions due in early July. Final determinations and potential tariff decisions could take months, depending on legal and political developments.

[Question 3]

Could these tariffs be reversed if Trump loses the election?

While tariffs require new administrative action to implement, a change in leadership could lead to their reversal or modification. However, investigations under Section 301 are legally distinct from the emergency powers the Supreme Court struck down, making them harder to undo quickly.

With global supply chains already strained by energy crises and geopolitical tensions, how might these investigations affect everyday consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic?