President Donald Trump reportedly plans to impose fresh tariffs on dozens of countries as his 10% global duties prepare to end.
Administration officials have developed plans that would allow Trump to announce new tariffs as soon as this week on roughly 60 countries, replacing the temporary 10% tariff regime set to expire Friday, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
The new duties would range from 10% to 12.5% and would be imposed through a Section 301 investigation into forced labor practices, rather than the emergency powers the Supreme Court struck down earlier this year, according to the Financial Times.
The move would mark the latest step in Trump's effort to reshape global trade while seeking new legal avenues to protect American industries after the Supreme Court ruled in February that he could not rely on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs.
The proposed tariffs come after Trump on Monday announced a 50% tariff on certain Canadian goods, including electrical equipment and machinery, using Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
The White House said the new Canadian tariffs would take effect in 30 days and cover about $20 billion worth of imports.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to defend Canadian workers and businesses, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Ottawa to respond "tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar."
The Financial Times reported that senior administration officials have privately urged Trump to maintain stability with trading partners and preserve trade agreements negotiated last year that reduced tariff rates.
Some advisers reportedly worry that escalating trade disputes could create economic uncertainty ahead of the midterms.
The administration, however, has continued to pursue multiple trade investigations that could provide legal authority for broader tariffs.
In addition to the forced labor probe, officials are examining excess manufacturing capacity involving major trading partners, including the European Union, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, and others.
The White House has also tempered some earlier tariff proposals by exempting key consumer products and easing duties on certain steel- and aluminum-related goods.
Last week, the administration announced a 25% tariff on many Brazilian imports following a Section 301 investigation into what U.S. officials described as unfair trade practices.
Trump has long argued that tariffs help protect American manufacturing, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and encourage companies to invest and manufacture in the United States.
While critics warn the measures could increase costs for consumers, the administration has maintained that strategic tariffs are essential to restoring fair trade and strengthening U.S. economic security.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.