US imposes tariffs on dozens of trade partners, citing forced labour concerns

The US has imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, accounting for the vast majority of its imports, over claims they failed to properly stop forced labour. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target key economic partners -- including the UK, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan and India. They came into effect on Friday, as a temporary 10% tax on foreign goods introduced earlier this year expired. The move is the latest escalation in the global trade war reignited by US President Donald Trump when he returned to office last year. Brazil's government called the move 'unjustified' and 'arbitrary'. Washington has chosen to 'manipulate an issue of great importance' to workers' rights to support its protectionist trade policy, Brazil's government said in a statement. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said the levies were 'completely unjustified' and that he will continue to press Washington to lift all duties on his country's goods. The Japanese government said on Friday that it 'regrets' the new US tariffs, saying that its trade is conducted in line with international rules.