US anti-forced labor duties replace expired global tariffs as new levies loom

The shift from temporary blanket tariffs to targeted permanent duties signals a structural change in US trade policy, keeping risk premiums elevated across global supply chains.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-26 06:02 UTC · 1 min read

New US anti-forced labor duties have been imposed to effectively replace the global 10 percent temporary tariff that expired on Friday.

The move marks a transition from broad-based levies to more targeted, permanent trade barriers, signaling that the administration’s expansive tariff regime is becoming a fixed feature of US trade strategy rather than a temporary negotiating tactic.

Markets are digesting the shift as a continuation of trade policy uncertainty.

While the immediate headline rate may differ from the previous blanket tariff, the permanence of these new duties introduces long-term cost pressures for importers and manufacturers.

The repricing reflects concerns that the trade environment remains volatile, with investors adjusting to a baseline of higher protectionism.

The White House is preparing to announce a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries as early as this week, according to reports.