The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including Pakistan, citing persistent failures to combat forced labor.
The measure, announced on Friday, replaces an expiring global duty and covers approximately 99.4% of US imports, marking a significant escalation in trade policy enforcement.
The sweeping nature of the tariffs introduces immediate cost pressures for US importers and multinational supply chains.
With the duties applying to a vast majority of imports, companies across sectors ranging from textiles to industrial metals face higher landed costs.
The inclusion of major economies such as Canada and China alongside emerging markets like Pakistan signals a broad-based shift in US trade posture, moving beyond targeted bilateral disputes to a comprehensive global levy.
This development replaces the previous global duty that was set to expire, ensuring continuity in the administration’s approach to labor standards in international trade.