Trump Imposes Tariffs on 80 Countries Citing Forced Labor Concerns

President Trump has imposed new tariffs on over 80 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the entire European Union. The tariffs range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent and are intended to address unfair trade practices by other nations. According to the administration, an investigation by the US Trade Representative found that all targeted countries had failed to enact or enforce bans on importing goods produced with forced labor.

The move has been met with criticism from lawmakers, who accuse Trump of using the issue of forced labor as a pretext for reimposing tariffs on virtually every US trading partner. Two small businesses have already sued to block the levies, claiming they are an illegal attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court's ruling.

Tariffs are a tax on American businesses and consumers in the form of higher prices paid on imports. The administration argues that tariffs will reduce the trade deficit, increase domestic manufacturing, and boost federal revenue. However, critics point out that tariffs have already raised consumer goods prices by 3.1 percent through February, with households spending an extra $1,100 a year due to tariffs.

While the effects of tariffs on the economy are modest, Trump's approval ratings for handling the economy are just as low as they are for his prosecution of the war, according to a Fox News poll released last week. This bodes poorly for Republicans in the November midterm elections.