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Berlin via Bernd Lange calls the procedure 'utterly absurd' and defends European forced-labor legislationDominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
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After the Supreme Court demolished the 'Liberation Day' tariffs, the Trump administration reinvents its trade war via Section 301 — and triggers a diplomatic mutiny from Brazil to South Korea.
On 2 June 2026, the Office of the US Trade Representative released the findings of an investigation opened on 12 March covering 60 economies, signed by Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The report proposes additional tariffs of 10 percent on six partners (Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan) and of 12.5 percent on 54 others, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The stated rationale is a "lack of effective enforcement" of the ban on importing goods made with forced labor.
These measures rely on Section 301, which proceeds through a formal investigation. The use of this tool follows the Supreme Court's February 2026 invalidation of the "Liberation Day" tariffs, then a Court of International Trade ruling ordering the refund of 166 billion dollars already collected. The Justice Department filed an appeal against that order, leaving those revenues in legal limbo.
A separate investigation concluded the same day with a proposed 25 percent tariff on Brazilian goods. Combined with the 12.5 percent, it would raise the potential surcharge to 37.5 percent, affecting a significant share of Brazil's exports to the United States. A public comment period and hearings are scheduled for July before any entry into force.
Reactions diverge sharply. Washington defends the measure as protection for American workers. Beijing and Brussels describe it as political mobilization and a pretext. Brasília contests the treatment it has received and points to closer trade ties with China. Several Asian economies avoid direct accusation and pursue bilateral talks. The point in dispute is the very nature of the decision: legitimate protection or a procedural workaround of the court rulings.
« Washington rebuilds the tariff wall via Section 301 and simultaneously faces an appeal process over $166 billion in refunds »
« Berlin via Bernd Lange calls the procedure 'utterly absurd' and defends European forced-labor legislation »
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