New Tariff Framework: Trump Expands Legal Reservations on International Trade

The United States government, under the leadership of Donald Trump, has unveiled a new series of tariffs aimed at combating forced labor in 60 countries that account for approximately 99% of US global trade. These measures replace existing temporary ones and incorporate a new legal framework based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, offering greater legal stability compared to previously used authorities. The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5%, with steel, aluminum, vehicles, automotive parts, food, fertilizers, and energy products exempted. This mechanism is designed to create a robust legal foundation that can be unilaterally adjusted, presenting a significant step towards greater predictability and stability for international investors. These new measures reflect a more strategic approach in the global trade war and represent a substantial move toward enhanced legal certainty.