The United States is increasing import tariffs on goods from 60 countries due to concerns over the use of forced labor, with new duties set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The move aims to pressure trading partners to strengthen measures against forced labor practices in their supply chains.

Under the updated policy, countries that have begun enforcing laws or regulations prohibiting forced labor will face a 10% tariff on certain imports. Those without such measures will be subject to a higher 12.5% tariff. This adjustment comes as existing 10% global duties related to forced labor are expiring.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized the longstanding nature of America’s import ban on goods produced with forced labor, which has been in place for nearly 100 years. Greer described the action as a step toward addressing both human rights abuses and unfair trade practices, aiming to benefit affected workers worldwide.

Countries designated for the 10% tariff include Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Several European Union member states, along with Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland, will face either the 10% or 12.5% rates depending on the specific products involved.

All remaining nations, including China, will be subject to the higher 12.5% tariff rate. An administration official highlighted India’s recent legislative efforts to curb forced labor as the reason for its designation under the lower tariff category.

The administration’s updated tariff structure reflects a broader effort to collaborate with global partners to eliminate forced labor from international trade while maintaining pressure on countries that have yet to adopt comprehensive safeguards. The move marks a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy aimed at improving labor standards and promoting ethical sourcing worldwide.