The US is preparing new tariffs for dozens of trading partners

The United States intends to impose new tariffs in the near future, which could affect dozens of countries. This was confirmed by US Trade Representative Jamison Greer, according to France24.

“We expect certain measures to be taken shortly,” he told CNBC, without specifying a timeframe.

The new tariffs, prepared by the Trump administration, will target 60 trading partners, and are set to be justified on the grounds of inaction in combating forced labour.

In February 2026, the US President imposed a 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court overturned a number of his tariffs. However, this measure is due to expire on 24 July. Analysts expect it to be replaced by new tariffs, linked to forced labour issues, ranging from 10 to 12.5%.

Since 22 July this year, the United States has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from Brazil. Furthermore, on 20 July, Trump announced the imposition of a 50% tariff on a wide range of imports from Canada worth nearly $20 billion.

As reported by Reuters, this move was announced in response to what the US administration described as discriminatory treatment of American-made cars, alcohol and dairy products. The tariffs are due to come into force 30 days after the proclamations are signed, i.e. on 19 August this year.

In this instance, Trump invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows the president to impose punitive tariffs of up to 50% against trading partners that discriminate against US goods. This marked the first known application of this law in nearly a century of its existence.

The following day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he was considering all options, adding that he and Trump had agreed to intensify discussions on a possible agreement over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, on 21 July, the US and Mexico began a third round of bilateral talks to try to renegotiate the USMCA – Canada is not taking part in these talks. This is the first official discussion of changes to the agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada since the Trump administration refused to extend the regional trade pact on 1 July.

It should be noted that the United States has exempted Brazilian pig iron from the 25% additional duty. This decision demonstrates the significant dependence of American steelmakers on imports. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) explained that over 95% of domestic production of merchant pig iron in the US is consumed by integrated steelworks. As a result, foundries and manufacturers using electric arc furnaces are in urgent need of foreign supplies.