The United States has implemented a 10% tariff on imports from Pakistan as part of a broader trade measure affecting 60 countries. This action addresses concerns over insufficient enforcement of forced labour prohibitions, a move initiated by the Trump administration.
Pakistan is among 18 countries subjected to the 10% tariff rate, alongside Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Switzerland face combined tariff rates—when added to existing most-favoured-nation duties—totaling either 10% or 12.5%. Additionally, 38 other nations, including China and Vietnam, are subject to a 12.5% duty.
These tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday, replacing a temporary 10% global tariff that had expired after 150 days. The duties apply to 99.4% of all US imports, though exemptions include categories such as oil and gas, fertilisers, certain food products, aircraft, critical minerals, and goods already under national security tariffs.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that the tariffs aim to compel trading partners to enforce bans on forced labour imports more rigorously. He noted that the United States has maintained such a ban for nearly a century and enforces it strictly, urging other countries to follow suit.
In a significant development, the White House explained that these tariffs establish a baseline duty on nearly all imports following the US Supreme Court’s invalidation of earlier reciprocal tariffs in February. Officials also highlighted that the current measures are less susceptible to legal challenges, as Section 301 has previously been upheld by courts.
The announcement has drawn criticism from several trading partners. The European Union, Australia, Brazil, and Norway have described the tariffs as unjustified or lacking a valid legal foundation. Canada, meanwhile, has indicated it will continue diplomatic engagement with Washington to address the issue.
