US tariff hikes linked to claims of foreign forced labor dismay and anger trading partners

The US administration announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 economies, including China, Japan, and Europe. USTR Jamieson Greer stated these measures target nations failing to effectively enforce prohibitions on forced labor. Trading partners have reacted with dismay and anger, with Australia's trade minister calling the tariffs completely unjustified. These actions specifically penalize imports linked to slave labor, drawing strong objections from various global partners regarding the legitimacy of the US claims.