The United States is set to replace its expiring temporary 10% global tariffs with new Section 301 duties targeting approximately 60 trading partners, senior officials confirmed Thursday.
The new levies, which take effect Friday, are framed around forced-labour concerns and are expected to range from 10% to higher levels, marking a structural shift in US trade policy rather than a temporary measure.
Markets are likely to scrutinize the specific rates applied to each of the 60 partners, as the new structure could introduce greater volatility for importers and exporters who had adapted to the flat 10% rate.
The move replaces the broad, temporary baseline that had been in place, substituting it with a more targeted legal framework under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
By citing forced-labour violations, the administration is anchoring the tariffs in human-rights and supply-chain compliance grounds, which may provide a more durable legal basis for the duties than the previous temporary authority.
Markets are likely to scrutinize the specific rates applied to each of the 60 partners, as the new structure could introduce greater volatility for importers and exporters who had adapted to the flat 10% rate.
The shift also raises questions about potential retaliatory measures from affected nations, particularly those with significant export exposure to the US market.