The United States has introduced new import tariffs on goods from some 60 economies, saying it is aimed at countries that have not done enough to stop products made with forced labour from entering global supply chains.
Ranging from 10% to 12.5%, the new tariffs came into force just after midnight on Friday July 24, replacing temporary tariffs that had been introduced by President Donald Trump after the US Supreme Court struck down his broader tariff policy earlier this year.
South Africa is among the countries facing the highest rate, with a 12.5% tariff now applied to its exports to the US.
Washington says the move is intended to increase pressure on governments to strengthen enforcement against forced labour. However, several countries affected by the new measures argue the tariffs are unfair.
Australia has criticised the decision, describing the higher tariffs as “completely unjustified” and said it would continue pushing the Office of the United States Trade Representative to remove the duties on Australian exports.
New Zealand also condemned the move. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the 12.5% tariff on New Zealand goods “extremely disappointing,” saying it lacked justification and would hurt trade between the two countries.