On 24 July 2026, the US administration imposed a new wave of tariffs on over 80 countries using section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act, alleging that the targeted countries had failed to ban the import of products made using forced labour. The targeted countries face tariffs between 10% and 12.5%, and follow the temporary 10% tariff the US administration had imposed in February 2026, which expired in July 2026. Concerns are now being raised regarding the impact these tariffs will have on supply chains dependent on exporting to the US, particularly garment supply chains.

Separately, on 15 July 2026, the US administration imposed a separate 25% tariff on certain goods from Brazil, following a Section 301 investigation into digital trade, electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual property, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation. Further more on 20 July 2026, the administration imposed a 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, effective August 19, using Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

After a year of tariff volatility, during which BHRC has monitored and reported on unfair purchasing practices by brands in response to the tariffs, and the subsequent human rights impacts linked to these practices, concerns have re-emerged, regarding the impact these tariffs will have on the supply chain.