Trump’s New ‘Forced Labor’ Tariffs Were Set Under Sham Pretenses

['Layla A. Jones', 'Is A Reporter For Tpm In Washington', 'D.C.', 'With Experience Covering Government', 'Economic Policy', 'Race', 'Culture', 'History. She Has Written For The Philadelphia Inquirer', 'Billy Penn', 'Whyy'] TPM – Talking Points Memo 2026-08-12 04:32:38

Canada currently bans imports of goods made with forced labor, yet faces a 10% tariff under this new regime. The European Union, the New York Times reported, is also facing 10% tariffs despite a forced labor prohibition set to begin in December 2027. “I’m not surprised they’re trying it,” Bergsten said, “but does it meet the legislative and historical requirements for forced labor investigations? Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) said Trump’s new tariffs aren’t about ending forced labor practices. The government was ordered to repay importers with interest after SCOTUS struck down Trump’s IEEPA tariffs in February.