The British ‘Financial Times’ reported earlier on the 21st that as the temporarily implemented 10% global tariffs are due to expire this Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to impose a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries this week. In February this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s “Day of Recession” tariff policy was unconstitutional. Consequently, Trump announced the imposition of 10% global tariffs on all economies for a period of 150 days, in accordance with Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
During an interview with CNBC that day, when asked about this matter, U.S. Trade Representative Jaime Johnson said, "We expect to take some action soon, but I cannot provide a specific timeline at this time. Before officially disclosing relevant information, it is my duty to inform the Congress and other stakeholders first."
But he emphasized again: “We do expect to take action soon.”
Grier implied that the new tariffs might be targeted at those countries that have failed to prevent forced labor.
Previously, the U.S. Trade Representative Office announced in June that the U.S. government intended to impose tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 countries and regions under Article 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing so-called “forced labor” as a reason. This move aimed to replace the global import tariffs that were about to expire, causing widespread opposition from trade partners.
Grill stated in the interview that this tariff proposal targeting 60 economic entities covers approximately 99% of U.S. trade transactions.
This precisely embodies the scale of the problem we face.” he said.
The Financial Times reported earlier that the upcoming new tariffs are expected to be at the same level as the current 10% tax rate. However, the Trump administration is also conducting other investigations, which may grant it the legal authority to impose higher tariffs.
On Monday, the White House also announced that the United States would impose a 50% ad valorem tariff on certain Canadian products in response to "discriminatory measures taken by Canada against the United States in the trade of automobiles and automobile parts."
This round of tariffs will take effect 30 days after the signing (on August 19). They apply regardless of whether the goods meet the requirements of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. However, this round of tariffs does not apply to energy products, potassium fertilizers, fish, critical minerals, and other products covered by the tariff provisions under Section 232.
According to US media, this move marks a significant escalation of the United States' trade offensive against Canada. It is also the first time in history that Article 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 has been used to counter the trade “discriminatory measures” of other countries.
Grill defended this position, stating that Canada has restrictions on automobiles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products manufactured in the United States. He said, “There have always been trade issues between us and Canada, and this has always been the most contentious part of our relationship.”
On July 21 local time, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump after the U.S. announced tariffs. Carney also said that if the new tariffs come into effect, Canada will consider all available options.
