The United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump’s latest set of tariffs drew immediate objections from America’s trading partners. They included China as well as Japan, besides Australia’s trade minister, slamming them as being completely unjustified on Friday, 24 July ’26.
The Trump administration announced tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 economies late Thursday, 23 July 2026. The administration added that countries had failed to adequately enforce a ban on goods made with forced labor.
The new tariffs took effect as stopgap levies Trump imposed after a stinging defeat at the Supreme Court expired at 0001 hrs on Friday, 24 July 2026.
Trading partner countries object to unfounded labour claims
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell rejected claims that link Australia, a major exporter of beef, gold, and copper, to modern slavery as the reason for raising the tariff on its exports to the U.S. from a previous level of 10% to 12.5%. The tariff increase was imposed after Trump’s “Liberation Day” hikes last year in ’25.
Farrell reported in Adelaide that he believes all countries worldwide take the issue of slavery, including modern slavery, rather seriously and may continue to do so.
Farrell added that Australia believes that the higher tariffs are completely unjustified. So, Australia will continue to lobby the U.S. Trade Representative with a request to remove all tariffs on Australian goods.
New Zealand (NZ) Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that the tariffs on NZ were also subject to a 12.5% import duty and were extremely disappointing, unjustified, and harmful to trade.
A U.S. investigation serving as the basis for the tariffs didn’t provide meaningful evidence to support the allegation of forced labor.
Luxon wrote on X that tariffs may not be the best solution, as they increase costs and create uncertainty for businesses.
European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas questioned the U.S. stance in comments he made on Channel News Asia.
Kallas indicated that if one compares the EU’s labour laws to those of the U.S., the EU has people who benefit from paid vacations, very good working conditions, and labour conditions for staff. So, it’s not really grounded.
Also facing a 12.5% tariff, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry indicated that it may continue to engage USTR (United States Trade Representative) to explore options.
Hope to forestall new tariffs
Japan likewise also protested the 12.5% tariff imposed on its exports. Tokyo noted that it had been reassured by the Trump administration that there wouldn’t be any more tariffs. The tariff was on top of an earlier agreement on a 10% U.S. import duty.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara indicated that the understanding Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara indicated that both sides remain committed to that understanding. committed towards that.
Kihara went on to add that it was regrettable that the measures imposed were based on the non-existence of regulations and the non-existence of measures banning imports of goods made by forced labor. This situation is even though Japan’s industry & trade are in line with international rules.
South Korea’s trade ministry indicated that the announcement eased some uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. It was also noted that a U.S. Section 301 investigation into alleged Korean excess production is still sustained.
The ministry added in a statement that the combined duties on South Korean exports shouldn’t exceed 15%.
Thailand noted that it’s also subject to the new 12.5% tariff by the U.S. under the forced labour provision. However, this measure exempts approximately 2,120 items. That represents more than 50% of the value of Thai good exported to the U.S.
China opposes unilateral tariffs
In response to the new 12.5% tariffs, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that it opposes all forms of unilateral tariffs.
Ministry spokesman Lin Jian indicated in a press conference that tariff wars & trade wars doesn’t serve any parties’ interests.
