SerpApi.Org
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed reports that the Trump administration is looking to impose tariffs on 60 countries for not complying with U.S. forced labor laws.
“The U.S. has laws to prohibit trading goods with forced labor,” Greer said in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday. “Other countries, most don’t have a law. Those that do don’t really enforce it.”
The proposed tariffs would cover about 99% of U.S. trade, Greer said, adding, “That actually illustrates the scale of the problem we’re facing."
Greer added it was still unclear when the new tariffs would take effect.
“I can’t really specify a timeline right now. I have responsibility to brief Congress and other stakeholders before I really reveal that kind of thing,” Greer said, adding, “but we do expect action soon."
The Financial Times reported earlier Tuesday that the administration could announce the new tariffs as early as this week.
Last month, Greer's office proposed imposing tariffs of up to 12.5% under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 over alleged forced labor issues.
The administration had previously imposed a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the same act after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down its “Liberation Day” tariffs. Those tariffs are slated to expire on Friday, CNBC noted.
