Overview
- The temporary 10% alternative tariff imposed in February will expire on July 24, 2026 and is set to be replaced immediately by the new measures.
- USTR told lawmakers it would publish final Section 301 tariff measures imminently after a June proposal and staff said those measures could be announced as soon as July 23.
- A June USTR proposal grouped countries by their forced‑labor controls and suggested up to 60 countries could face extra duties, with 46 jurisdictions including Japan listed at 12.5% and some partners such as the EU shown at 10%.
- Trade talks produced an understanding to cap reciprocal-tariff exposure at 15%, and USTR said it will consider that cap and possible mitigation when setting final rates.
- The move shifts the legal basis from time‑limited Section 122 rules to the more durable Section 301 authority, a change that could raise costs for exporters, alter supply chains, and prompt fresh diplomatic negotiations.