A fresh wave of US tariffs is poised to hit dozens of nations within days, as the Trump administration pivots from temporary levies to a more targeted strategy centered on forced labor allegations. Trade envoy Jamieson Greer signaled Tuesday that new duties are imminent, with the current 10 percent global tariff set to expire Friday. Main Developments Greer told CNBC that action on forced labor would cover the majority of US trade, though he declined to specify a timeline. The new duties—reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent—would replace expiring global tariffs and target 60 countries deemed insufficiently active against forced labor practices. Washington last week imposed a 25 percent duty on certain Brazilian goods, and on Monday announced a 50 percent levy on many Canadian products, effective in 30 days. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded Tuesday by saying he was exploring "all options" and had agreed with Trump to "intensify discussions" on a possible deal. Read also: Why Pakistan's trade gap with neighbors hit $16bn A 10 percent rate would apply to imports from partners including Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom—countries found to have taken steps against forced labor. Goods from over 40 other major economies, such as China, India, and Japan, face a 12.5 percent levy. Background Trump imposed a 10 percent global duty earlier this year after the Supreme Court struck down a swath of his tariffs in February. That levy expires Friday, creating a deadline for the administration to reset its trade agenda after those legal setbacks. The new forced labor tariffs rely on existing US law prohibiting trade in goods produced with forced labor. Greer argued Tuesday that other countries "most don't have a law; those that do don't really enforce it." The EU has previously labeled such tariffs "unjustified." Trump's 50 percent tariff on Canada also comes amid intensified US-Mexico talks over the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Washington recently declined to extend the accord in its current form, and Greer is set to travel to Mexico from Wednesday to Friday for discussions linked to a joint review of the pact. Negotiations with Canada have proceeded more slowly. Some trade lawyers see Trump's use of Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930—an untested legal provision—as leverage in USMCA talks. Dave Townsend of Dorsey & Whitney noted that higher tariffs "appear to be aimed at encouraging an agreement between Canada and the US, or in retaliation for the failure to reach such an agreement, or both." Crucially, Trump's latest Canadian tariffs will not exempt products entering under USMCA. Why It Matters These tariffs risk reigniting trade tensions with major US partners. The 10 percent rate alone would hit imports from Canada, the EU, Mexico, Taiwan, and the UK—collectively representing a significant share of US trade. Retaliation could follow, as Townsend warned of a potential "cycle of escalation and retaliation." For Brazil, the 25 percent levy—taking effect Wednesday—shapes up as a major campaign flashpoint months before the country's presidential election. While some products like beef, coffee, and certain aircraft parts are exempted, the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil warned the measure places Brazil among nations "facing the most restrictive conditions for access to the US market," affecting over $11 billion in exports. What's Next The temporary 10 percent global tariff expires Friday, after which the new forced labor duties are expected to take effect. Greer's Mexico trip this week will focus on USMCA-related discussions, while Canada's Carney has not indicated he will travel to Washington for talks. The question, as Townsend put it, is whether both sides will start a cycle of escalation and retaliation—or find common ground.