Topline
President Donald Trump is preparing to impose new tariffs “soon” on dozens of countries to replace the temporary global 10% tariff that expires Friday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Tuesday, as Trump has escalated his trade war with Canada this week.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Greer said “we expect to see some action soon, I can’t really specify a timeline right now” when asked by CNBC about a Financial Times report earlier Monday that said Trump would impose tariffs on dozens of additional countries.
Trump is reportedly weighing the new levies as a 10% temporary global tariff expires Friday.
Greer hinted that the new levies could be imposed on countries that have failed to prevent forced labor, a proposal initially announced in June that covers 60 countries and about “99% of our trade,” Greer said.
The forced-labor tariffs would range between 10% and 12.5% on countries including Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., China, Australia, Japan and Brazil.
Greer also defended the 50% tariffs Trump ordered Monday on a range of Canadian goods: “We have always had trade issues with Canada, it’s always been the most contentious part of our relationship,” he said, noting Canadian restrictions on U.S.-made cars, alcohol and dairy.
Key Background
Trump implemented the 10% global tariffs in February after the Supreme Court struck down most of his so-called Liberation Day tariffs. Trump imposed the temporary tariffs under a law that allows levies to remain in effect for 150 days while the U.S. assesses major trade imbalances. Trump’s new tariffs on Canada were implemented under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows presidents to impose levies against countries discriminating against U.S. goods.
What To Watch For
The new 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods are set to begin in 30 days.
Tangent
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the U.S. of violating the North American trade pact with the 50% tariffs Trump announced Monday, but said his country is willing to “engage intensively to address any outstanding issues.” Carney also said the alleged discrimination the White House has claimed was merely a response to Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian autos. Greer said Canada’s proposals are “generally for promises to discuss these issues” and often cover “things we already do.”
further reading
Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs After Forced Labor Probe Into 60 Countries (Forbes)
Carney Says Canada Is Open To Talks After Trump Imposes New 50% Tariffs (Forbes)
Trump Threatens Canada With New Tariffs For Wildfires (Forbes)