Trump Imposes Global Tariffs Up to 12.5%

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump issued new customs tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on major trading partners, as part of efforts aimed at eliminating forced labor and enhancing the ability of U.S. trade policy to face judicial challenges.

The new tariffs come within the framework of a tough trade policy pursued by the Trump administration, amid legal debate over the validity of previous tariffs.

According to a statement issued by the office of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday morning, the new tariffs will replace the temporary tariff of 10% that expires at dawn Friday Eastern Time.

The Trump administration approved the expiring tariff in February last year following a Supreme Court decision that canceled most previous global customs tariffs.

Under the new system, a 10% tariff is imposed on countries that have anti-forced labor laws, while a 12.5% tariff is imposed on countries that lack such legislation.

The U.S. Trade Representative's office stated in a release that the new tariffs will apply to imports from 60 countries representing about 99% of U.S. foreign trade.

These tariffs take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday (07:01 Mecca Time), coinciding with the expiration of the current temporary tariff.

The U.S. administration exempted goods subject to tariffs related to national security considerations, including imports of steel, aluminum, automobiles, and spare parts; exemptions also included some food and agricultural products, fertilizers, and energy products.

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This step represents an attempt by Washington to consolidate its trade policies after the Supreme Court canceled most previous tariffs. By applying a differential system based on forced labor legislation, the administration seeks to achieve social goals alongside trade protection. The exemptions granted to some basic goods indicate consideration of sensitive economic interests. These tariffs are expected to provoke reactions from affected countries, especially those facing the higher tariff.