The U.S.Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, announced new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against 60 economies, including Canada, following a forced labor investigation.This follows a previous 50% tariff on Canadian goods under Section 338.The tariffs, which range from 10% to 12.5%, target countries failing to adequately screen goods for forced labor.

Trade experts argue the measures are more about economic leverage than genuine labor concerns, noting many American consumers already use products with forced labor in supply chains.

The investigation, which included public hearings and over 2,100 comments, was expedited to replace Section 122 duties invalidated by the Supreme Court.Canadian exports not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement face a 10% tariff, raising questions about potential legal challenges and the feasibility of reducing the tariffs.