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Trump Imposes Sweeping Global Tariffs, Citing Forced Labor Concerns

Published July 26, 2026 at 12:03 PM UTC

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President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on dozens of countries, affecting nearly all U.S. imports. The executive order, announced Friday, targets goods from nations where the administration claims forced labor practices are prevalent. The move covers countries that supply 99.4% of U.S. imports, including major trading partners such as China, the European Union, and Mexico. The administration argues the tariffs are a necessary response to human rights abuses and unfair trade practices. Critics, however, view the action as an end-run around Congress, which has traditionally held authority over tariff policy. Economists warn that the tariffs could raise consumer prices and disrupt supply chains. Trading partners have expressed dismay and anger, with the European Union already threatening retaliatory tariffs on U.S. tech giants. The tariffs come amid ongoing trade tensions and represent a significant escalation in Trump's trade policy. The exact list of affected countries and products is expected to be released in the coming days. The impact on global markets was immediate, with stock futures falling sharply.