US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to introduce a fresh round of tariffs on dozens of countries as early as this week, marking another major escalation in his administration’s trade agenda.
According to a report by the Financial Times, US officials have drawn up plans to replace the current 10 per cent global tariff, which is set to expire, with new rates ranging between 10 and 12.5 per cent on imports from around 60 countries.
Rather than relying on emergency powers that were struck down by the US Supreme Court earlier this year, the Trump administration is expected to justify the new tariffs through investigations into alleged forced labour practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Officials are also said to be considering further investigations that could pave the way for even higher tariffs in the future.
The latest proposal follows Trump’s recent announcement of a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods and a 25 per cent levy on imports from Brazil, signalling his continued push for tougher trade measures against key trading partners.
The renewed tariff drive comes after the US Supreme Court invalidated the reciprocal tariffs introduced by Trump in April 2025, a ruling that triggered uncertainty across global financial markets and forced the administration to explore alternative legal avenues for its trade policies.
Behind the scenes, senior US officials have reportedly urged Trump to preserve stable trade relations and honour agreements reached with international partners in 2025. Several earlier tariff proposals have also been softened by exempting essential consumer goods and reducing duties on selected steel- and aluminium-related products.
The trade offensive is unfolding amid rising geopolitical tensions with Iran, which have pushed petrol prices in the United States above US$4 (RM11.48) per gallon, adding further pressure to household living costs.
Recent opinion polls have also indicated growing public dissatisfaction, with more than two-thirds of American voters unhappy with Trump’s handling of the cost of living despite his repeated campaign promises to bring prices down.
The proposed tariffs are expected to target countries linked to alleged forced labour practices. A separate investigation into excess manufacturing capacity is also expected to focus on several major economies, including the European Union, China, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and a number of Southeast Asian nations.
