Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to implement new tariffs on dozens of countries within days, a move that comes as a broad 10 percent global tariff is set to expire on Friday. This potential expansion of trade measures faces internal warnings from advisors concerned about its impact on the economy ahead of the midterm elections.
Recent actions by the administration include a 50 percent levy on Canadian goods and a 25 percent duty on Brazilian imports. The planned next phase of tariffs is expected to affect approximately 60 nations, with duties ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent. These new measures are intended to be justified by a U.S. investigation into forced labor practices, a rationale that was first suggested by trade officials in June.
An additional investigation into excess manufacturing capacity has also been initiated, reportedly encompassing the European Union, China, Japan, India, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. While the immediate tariffs are expected to be around the current 10 percent rate, the administration is exploring other investigations that could lead to substantially higher duties in the future.
This strategic approach to trade policy involves utilizing various procedural trade laws. This is a continuation of measures following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated the broader "Liberation Day" tariffs announced by Trump in April 2025. Those tariffs were subsequently replaced by the expiring 10 percent global regime in February, and the forced labor investigation provides a route to impose duties without relying on the emergency powers previously rejected by the court.
The timing of this trade initiative coincides with heightened tensions with Iran, which are impacting global energy markets and raising concerns about broader regional conflict. The rise in oil prices has led to an increase in gasoline costs, contributing to inflation that is currently running near 3.3 percent. Polling indicates that a majority of voters view Trump's handling of the economy negatively and believe economic conditions are deteriorating.
Senior officials have reportedly urged the president to maintain stable relations with trading partners and adhere to agreements made in 2025 that reduced tariffs. Despite these internal recommendations, the White House appears to be moving forward with its tariff plans. U.S. trade envoys have previously moderated some of Trump's tariff measures, securing exemptions for certain goods and reducing duties on others. Inquiries into critical minerals and airplane parts had previously led to advice favoring negotiation over further tariffs. The White House has been contacted for comment.