The United States (US) has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including Pakistan, citing concerns over the enforcement of measures against goods produced with forced labour.
Read More: U.S. cuts tariffs on Pakistan, but costs still high
According to a filing by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the proposed duties range from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent and are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape its trade policy after recent legal challenges to previous tariff measures.
Pakistan is among six economies that the USTR said had not effectively enforced prohibitions on the import of goods allegedly produced through forced labour. The other economies identified in this category are Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia and Mexico.
For nearly a century, the United States has prohibited the importation of goods made with forced labor. It is time for our trading partners to follow suit.
Today, Ambassador Greer determined that the acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies related to the failure to… pic.twitter.com/JWyRCDyXHL
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) June 3, 2026
Under the proposal, imports from Pakistan would face a 10 per cent tariff. Similar duties have also been proposed for several other countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, a separate group of 45 economies, including China, India and Vietnam, could face additional tariffs of 12.5 per cent after being accused of failing to introduce or adequately enforce restrictions on forced-labour imports.
The Trump Administration is establishing a U.S.-China Board of Trade to optimize bilateral trade in non-sensitive products and deliver results for American farmers, ranchers, fisherman, small businesses, manufacturers, and workers.
While robust tariffs remain in place to combat… pic.twitter.com/WSYV6gQLmG
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) June 2, 2026
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the proposed measures are intended to address what Washington views as an uneven global trading environment. He argued that inadequate enforcement by major trading partners places American workers at a competitive disadvantage and undermines efforts to combat forced labour in international supply chains.
The proposed tariffs are subject to a public consultation process before a final decision is made. Written comments will be accepted until July 6, after which the USTR is expected to hold hearings to review feedback from stakeholders.
Several categories of products would be exempt from the proposed duties, including certain agricultural goods such as beef, coffee, fruits and nuts. Products covered under specific regional trade agreements may also receive exemptions.
Read More: US slashes Pakistan tariff to boost trade ties
The announcement comes ahead of the expiration of a temporary 10 per cent tariff imposed earlier this year, as the US administration continues to pursue new trade measures through alternative legal mechanisms.