A new round of US tariffs targeting around 60 economies, including the European Union, comes into effect on Friday as President Donald Trump expands his trade measures.
The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, replace temporary duties introduced in February and apply to economies accounting for an estimated 99.4% of US imports.
Washington says the measures stem from a trade investigation examining whether trading partners have fully removed goods produced through forced labour from their supply chains.
Under the new regime, EU member states, the UK, Mexico and Canada face 10% tariffs on certain exports to the United States.
A higher 12.5% tariff will apply to nearly 40 other countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland.
Trade tensions broaden
The tariffs are based on a US trade investigation launched in March by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and rely on trade legislation dating back to 1974.
Energy products and raw materials are expected to be exempt.
The move follows additional US tariffs announced against Brazil this week, while Canada is also facing further duties set to take effect next month.
Japan voices concern
Japan expressed regret over the new measures, arguing that its industries comply with international trade standards.
Government spokesman Minoru Kihara said Tokyo was disappointed by tariffs linked to what Washington views as shortcomings in national legislation concerning imports produced through forced labour.
The measures mark the latest escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to reshape global trade relations and increase pressure on key US trading partners.
