New US tariffs to affect imports from EU, China and dozens of other countries

The United States is introducing new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, China, Japan and South Korea, in a move that could reshape global trade flows and supply chains.

The Trump administration says the new duties, set at either 10 or 12.5 per cent, are aimed at encouraging countries to strengthen measures against forced labour in their supply chains. The tariffs replace a temporary 10 per cent levy that expires on Friday.

The new measures will apply to almost all goods entering the US, although a number of key products, including oil and gas, fertiliser and certain food items, have been exempted.

Countries including Britain, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan and Canada will face the lower 10 per cent tariff, while China and dozens of other trading partners will be subject to the higher 12.5 per cent rate.

For businesses in the UAE, the changes could affect global supply chains, import costs and trade routes, particularly for companies involved in manufacturing, logistics and re-exporting goods to international markets.

The White House says the tariffs are intended to tackle forced labour in global supply chains while protecting American workers, although the measures are expected to face criticism from some trading partners.