The United States has imposed new forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies, including a 12.5% duty on imports from Brazil and China.
The broad-based measure targets countries the US administration alleges have failed to adequately address labor violations in their supply chains.
The 12.5% rate on Brazil and China represents a substantial cost increase for exporters in these markets, potentially disrupting established supply chains and trade flows.
Brazil has condemned the move as arbitrary and announced it will challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization while invoking its Reciprocity Law to impose countermeasures.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in US trade policy, expanding the scope of forced-labor restrictions beyond previous targeted measures.
By applying the tariffs to 59 countries plus the European Union, the US is signaling a more aggressive stance on labor standards in global trade.
The 12.5% rate on Brazil and China represents a substantial cost increase for exporters in these markets, potentially disrupting established supply chains and trade flows.