The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, claiming they have failed to curb trade in goods produced with forced labor. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25%, are based on a Section 301 investigation by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). Taiwan faces a proposed 10% tariff but has a chance to appeal, while Brazil faces a 25% tariff that has drawn sharp criticism from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The move is seen as an attempt to rebuild tariff authority after the US Supreme Court struck down previous global tariffs in February 2026. Trading partners have rejected the US findings. European lawmakers described the accusations as 'utterly absurd', and business leaders warned of increased confusion. Lula said he received the decision 'with indignation' and hinted at political motivations, including the influence of Brazilian opposition figures and US officials. The USTR has scheduled a public hearing on July 7 and is accepting comments through July 6. Despite the stated goal of combating forced labor, critics argue the tariffs are politically motivated and inconsistent with trade data. The US maintains a trade surplus with Brazil, contradicting claims of unfair practices. The proposed tariffs are not final, but they signal the Trump administration's determination to use trade law to pressure partners ahead of the expiration of temporary tariffs on July 24.
Lula says Brazil cannot accept treatment after new US tariffs proposed
Focuses on Brazil's 25% tariff and Lula's strong rejection. Highlights political context, including Bolsonaro family ties and US official Marco Rubio. Lula threatens to seek other trade partners.
US uses forced labour concerns as grounds for new tariffs, trading partners reject
Covers the broad tariff proposal on 60 economies, citing forced labour concerns. Includes reactions from European lawmakers who call the findings 'utterly absurd' and business leaders citing confusion. Lists countries affected by 10% and 12.5% tariffs.
Reports on Taiwan being among 60 economies targeted for a 10% tariff but notes it can appeal. Highlights that Taiwan has made commitments under the ART agreement and is grouped with other economies that have partial bans.
Trump administration proposes 25% tariffs on Brazil despite US trade surplus
Reports on the 25% tariff on Brazil, noting the US has a trade surplus with Brazil. Lula blames Flávio Bolsonaro and Marco Rubio. Quotes trade lawyer Ryan Majerus saying the plan excludes many imports. Emphasizes political motivations.
The US forced labor tariff proposal is part of a broader strategy to assert trade leverage after legal setbacks, but it has been met with widespread rejection from affected economies. Taiwan’s inclusion highlights its partial compliance with US agreements, while Brazil’s higher tariff reflects ongoing political tensions between Lula and Trump. The discrepancies in tariff rates and the lack of clear evidence linking the tariffs to forced labor outcomes suggest that the policy may be more about rebuilding tariff authority than addressing labor rights. The final decision, due late July, will test the resilience of US trade relations with allies and emerging economies alike.
Political motive for Brazil tariffs: Some articles highlight political interference while others focus on trade practices.
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Al Jazeera English | Lula says the tariffs are surprising and linked to political interference from Bolsonaro and Rubio. |
| The Guardian | Lula blames Flávio Bolsonaro and Marco Rubio for sabotaging US-Brazil relations; the tariffs are politically motivated. |
| Taipei Times | Does not mention Brazil. |
Brazil trade balance: USTR claims a 'giant' trade deficit with Brazil, but public data shows a US surplus.
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Al Jazeera English | US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer cited a 'giant' trade deficit, but public data shows a $420m US surplus in March. |
| The Guardian | The US has had a goods trade surplus with Brazil for years. |
Tariff rates and categorization of countries: Some sources report 10% for Taiwan and others 12.5%, and Brazil is 25% in some but not in others.
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Taipei Times | Taiwan faces a proposed 10% tariff, while 46 other economies (including Japan, China, India) could face 12.5%. |
| Al Jazeera English | 10% duties on 14 economies (including Taiwan) and 12.5% on the remaining 45 (including China, India, Japan). |
| Al Jazeera English | Brazil faces a 25% tariff. |
| The Guardian | Brazil faces a 25% tariff. |
The US forced labor tariff proposal appears to be a tactical maneuver to restore tariff authority following legal setbacks, rather than a genuine effort to combat forced labor. While forced labor is a legitimate concern, the inclusion of economies like Taiwan and the EU—which have laws against it—undermines the credibility of the investigation. The higher tariff on Brazil, despite a US trade surplus, strongly suggests political retribution over Lula's stance and the Bolsonaro prosecution. The lack of evidence linking tariff levels to forced labor outcomes and the rejection by trading partners indicate that the policy may face legal and diplomatic challenges. The public hearing and comment period will provide some due process, but the final decision will likely reinforce the Trump administration's aggressive trade posture.
Taipei Times
Al Jazeera English
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