Trump is planning a new tariff maneuver against the EU. This time he refers to human rights
Trump suddenly discovers his interest in working conditions in the production of goods intended for the American market. Anyone who does not comply with standards, e.g. in the field of human rights, has to pay – and it goes to his coffers. The US has threatened new tariffs on 60 countries around the worldbecause they allegedly do not prevent the import of goods produced using forced labor.
“We will no longer tolerate this inequality”
“It is unacceptable that our most important trading partners are taking no action against the import of goods produced using forced labor,” said Trump trade representative Jamieson Greer. In his opinion, this leads to unequal competition conditions for American companies. “We will no longer tolerate this inequality,” he added.
Who does this threat apply to? The EU, Great Britain, Switzerland, but also countries in Africa and Asia, as well as Canada and China – must take into account additional tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent. According to ABC News, trading partners affected by these tariffs constitute approximately 99 percent. all imports to the USA.
“Creative ways to impose tariffs”
The new customs plan is similar to the German act on due diligence obligations in the supply chain. From 2023, this bureaucratic monster burdens companies with reporting obligations, training and huge additional costs. In the meantime, it has been relaxed, but now new requirements are coming from the USA.
Donald Trump's tariff policy is increasingly catching up with him. His latest initiative is exposed by The Washington Post. According to the daily, the US president “in the face of defeats in court and lack of support in Congress, continues to look for creative ways to impose tariffs.” The justification regarding the alleged forced labor is “clearly a pretext for protectionism.”
