On Tuesday, the Trump administration proposed new tariffs of 10 percent or 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies. These include the European Union and the United Kingdom. Officials argue that these economies have not done enough to block goods produced with forced labour, which they say disadvantages US companies.

This proposal arrives before the July 24 deadline when temporary tariffs expire. Those tariffs were put in place after a court invalidated Trump's IEEPA tariff system in February.

A report from the US Trade Representative released on Wednesday identified 54 economies, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, India, Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These have not implemented or enforced bans on forced labour imports effectively. They would receive an extra 12.5 percent tariff under the plan.

Six other economies would get an additional 10 percent tariff. The USTR claims they have rules against such imports but fail to apply them properly. The six are Canada, the European Union, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that it is unacceptable for major trading partners to ignore the issue of forced labour imports. This situation forces American workers into unfair global competition, he noted. Greer urged partners to take stronger action so that trade does not support forced labour around the world.

The USTR report describes forced labour as work or service obtained from a person through threats of penalty if not performed, where the worker does not participate voluntarily.

These proposed tariffs could disturb relations with important US trading partners. Many have already encountered multiple tariff rounds since President Donald Trump began his second term.

The announcement follows closely after the European Union agreed with Washington to limit tariffs on most EU exports to 15 percent. This came after difficult talks among the bloc's 27 members.

Trump has recently visited China. There, he and President Xi Jinping talked about better market access for US firms and more Chinese investment in American industries. They also decided to create new trade and investment groups, though specifics remain limited.

The new tariffs would not start right away. They must go through public consultation and review first.

The probe used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This approach might enable tariffs after the Supreme Court decided in February that Trump had overstepped by relying on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for broad duties.

The administration intends to appeal another court decision that allows companies to seek refunds on earlier tariffs.

Earlier this week, Washington suggested 25 percent tariffs on imports from Brazil. It accused the largest Latin American economy of unfair trade practices that burden US commerce.

The USTR investigation revealed that Brazil has weak anti-corruption measures and maintains unfair tariff policies, along with other issues.