New Trump Tariffs Blitz Puts 60 Nations on Notice

Trump Tariffs could soon hit imports from as many as 60 countries as the White House prepares another sweeping trade offensive just months before the critical midterm elections.

President Donald Trump, 80, has already imposed a 50 percent tariff on selected Canadian products worth approximately $20 billion. The targeted goods include dairy products, cement, clothing, alcohol and even Canadian-made hockey sticks. Automobiles, energy, lumber, pharmaceuticals, aircraft products and semiconductors were exempted, limiting some of the potential damage to American consumers.

However, Canada may only be the beginning. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration expects to announce new action soon following investigations into forced labor practices. Plans under consideration would impose tariffs of ten percent on some countries and 12.5 percent on others, potentially affecting around 60 trading partners.

Trump Tariffs Replace Expiring Levy

The new push comes as Trump’s temporary ten percent global import surcharge expires on Friday, July 24. He imposed the levy in February under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court struck down much of his earlier emergency tariff system.

Section 122 allows temporary import surcharges for no more than 150 days unless Congress approves an extension. A federal trade court later ruled that the ten percent levy was unlawful, although litigation and appeals allowed parts of the tariff system to remain temporarily in place.

The administration is now turning to other trade laws. Its forced-labor strategy relies on Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows Washington to investigate and retaliate against allegedly unfair foreign trade practices.

Countries reportedly affected include China, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam and members of the European Union. However, formal procedures, including consultations, hearings and public comments, may be required before all proposed duties can take effect.

Trump Tariffs Face Legal Challenge

For the Canadian measures, the White House invoked Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. The obscure provision allows tariffs of up to 50 percent against countries accused of discriminating against American trade.

The administration says Canada unfairly restricts U.S. automobiles, dairy products and alcohol. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the move and argued that it violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Legal experts expect challenges because Section 338 has rarely, if ever, been used in this manner. Critics argue that newer trade legislation may have superseded the provision and that the administration failed to follow all necessary procedures.

Price Fears Before Midterms

The political timing is dangerous. Renewed fighting involving Iran has pushed Brent crude above $90 per barrel, increasing the risk of higher gasoline and transportation costs. Adding widespread import duties could place further pressure on household budgets and businesses already struggling to predict Trump’s rapidly changing trade policy.

The Trump Tariffs may provide leverage in negotiations, but they could also raise prices on imported goods and production materials. Advisers have reportedly urged the president to preserve earlier trade agreements and avoid another global confrontation before the midterms.

For Republicans, the danger is clear: voters remain deeply focused on affordability and the cost of living. A new trade war could allow Democrats to argue that Trump is making everyday goods more expensive while energy prices are already rising.

Trump has repeatedly used tariff threats to force trading partners back to the negotiating table. Yet with lawsuits looming, inflation risks growing and congressional elections approaching, his latest tariff blitz could become as much a political gamble as an economic weapon.