US imposes new tariffs on dozens of trade partners over 'forced labour' imports

The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs of at least 10% on imports from 60 countries over claims they failed to prevent forced labour. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target trading partners that make up the majority of US imports - including the UK, Canada, China, Mexico and the EU - and will come into effect today, just as the current levies are set to expire. US trade representative Jamieson Greer said the tariffs 'will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere.' A spokesperson for the UK government said: 'There is no change to the tariff rate facing UK businesses as a result of this announcement. The UK remains on a 10% tariff rate and the preferential access secured under our agreement with the United States remains in place.' Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, said the tariffs were 'inconsistent with our free trade agreement' and 'should be removed'.