Trump Tariffs Hit 60+ Countries Over Forced Labour—Canada Included

The Trump administration has announced sweeping tariff measures targeting more than 60 countries, including major trading partner Canada, under the rationale of addressing forced labour practices. S. government will enforce compliance with labour standards at the border. For supply chain professionals, this development introduces substantial complexity and cost exposure across multiple sourcing regions.

The breadth of this action—affecting 60+ countries simultaneously—indicates a systemic approach to tariff enforcement rather than a targeted strike against specific sectors or suppliers. Canada's inclusion is particularly notable given the deeply integrated North American supply chain and existing trade frameworks like USMCA. This suggests that geographical proximity and existing trade relationships offer limited insulation from new tariff regimes. Companies importing labour-intensive goods (apparel, electronics, consumer products, and agricultural commodities) face immediate pressure to audit supplier practices and anticipate duty increases at ports of entry.

Immediate implications include tariff classification reviews, forced labour compliance audits across the supply base, potential supplier diversification, and contingency pricing for affected routes. Long-term, this policy may drive sourcing shifts away from high-risk jurisdictions and accelerate nearshoring strategies to North America. Supply chain teams must prioritize transparency with customs brokers, engage compliance experts, and model cost scenarios across multiple tariff scenarios to ensure business continuity.