US trading partners rip new Trump tariffs: ‘Completely unjustified’

U.S. trading partners including China, Japan and Australia pushed back on Friday against President Trump’s latest round of tariffs, arguing the levies are “completely unjustified.”

The new import taxes, ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent for 60 countries, took effect just after midnight on Friday and cover 99.4 percent of goods coming into the U.S.

The Trump administration announced the new measures Thursday, saying they were authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 following a four-month investigation into claims of alleged forced labor in the supply chain.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell condemned the tariffs and denied allegations that the country had failed to combat modern slavery.

“We believe that amongst all of the countries in the world Australia does take the issue of slavery, modern slavery, seriously, and will continue to do that,” Farrell told reporters in Adelaide, Australia.

He added that the higher taxes are “completely unjustified” and that Australian officials “will continue to lobby the United States Trade........

© The Hill