The United States is preparing to impose new tariffs targeting up to 60 countries, according to trade envoy Jamieson Greer, as the current temporary global levies introduced by President Donald Trump are set to expire later this week. These forthcoming duties are expected to address concerns over forced labor practices among U.S. trading partners, continuing the administration’s broader trade agenda following recent legal challenges.

Earlier this year, Trump implemented a 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court invalidated several of his previous tariff measures. That levy is due to expire on Friday and is likely to be replaced by new tariffs estimated to range between 10% and 12.5%. Greer indicated that further announcements could be imminent, though he did not provide specific timing.

The renewed tariff strategy comes amid escalating trade tensions, with Washington recently imposing a 25% duty on select Brazilian products and unveiling plans for a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods set to take effect in 30 days. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by emphasizing that his government was exploring "all options" and confirmed ongoing talks with Trump to intensify discussions on trade matters.

The European Union has criticized the United States’ use of tariffs on forced labor grounds as “unjustified,” highlighting concerns about the justification and potential repercussions of the U.S. approach. Meanwhile, the 50% Canadian tariff announcement coincides with intensified negotiations over the North American free trade agreement, now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. government recently declined to extend the existing pact in its current form, further complicating talks.

Greer is scheduled to visit Mexico later this week for discussions related to the joint review of the USMCA. However, progress with Canada has been slower, with Carney not indicating plans for immediate talks in Washington. Some trade experts suggest that Trump’s use of Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930—an untested legal provision—is a deliberate tactic to pressure Canada in the ongoing USMCA negotiations.

Trade attorney Dave Townsend of Dorsey & Whitney noted that the elevated tariffs appear designed either to encourage an agreement between the U.S. and Canada or to serve as retaliation for stalled negotiations, or potentially both. Townsend warned this dynamic could lead to a reciprocal cycle of tariff increases between the two countries. Notably, the U.S. has stated that products from Canada entering under the USMCA would not be exempt from these new duties, further raising concerns about escalating trade tensions in the region.