Global leaders and governments have voiced strong opposition to the recently imposed tariffs by the United States, which are framed around combating forced labor. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its stance against unilateral tariffs, with spokesman Lin Jian stating that "tariff wars and trade wars do not serve any parties’ interests."
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide declared, "We are firmly opposed to the United States's unilateral use of customs duties against Norway and other countries."
Brazil echoed these sentiments, labeling the tariffs as "arbitrary" and "unjustified." The Brazilian government issued a statement asserting, "Lacking a legal basis under domestic law to support its protectionist trade policy, the U.S. Trade Representative chose to manipulate an issue of great importance to human rights and workers' rights movement."
The majority of countries affected by the new import duties will face a 12.5% tariff rate. However, a group of 17 economies that have reportedly "made commitments to adopt, and effectively enforce, forced labor import prohibitions" will see a slightly lower 10% tax on imports. This group includes Canada, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Officials around the world are pushing back on the rationale for the new import duties, citing concerns about protectionism and the unilateral nature of the trade policy.