What legal authority is Trump using for the new forced labour tariffs, and why is it considered more durable than his previous tariffs?

Trump is using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose import taxes against countries found to engage in 'unjustifiable', 'unreasonable' or 'discriminatory' trade practices; this authority is considered more durable because Trump previously used Section 122 (limited to 150 days) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), both of which were either time-limited or struck down by the Supreme Court as unauthorized for imposing tariffs.

Which countries and products are affected by the new tariffs, and what exemptions apply?

The new 10% to 12.5% tariffs apply to imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of US imports, with some countries like India receiving lower rates (e.g., reduced from 12.5% to 10%) after tightening forced labour enforcement; exempted products include oil and gas, fertiliser, and goods qualifying for duty-free status under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.