A coalition of 25 states, including Washington, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s latest tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners. The case, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, argues that the administration exceeded its legal authority by imposing broad tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The tariffs, which took effect July 24, impose rates of 10% and 12.5% on imports from countries and regions including the European Union. The administration said the action is intended to address concerns that trading partners have not done enough to prevent the export of goods produced with forced labor.
The lawsuit follows similar legal challenges filed by small businesses. Earlier tariff actions during President Donald Trump’s second term have also faced successful court challenges, although some tariffs have remained in effect during the appeals process.
The states argue that Section 301 has historically been used to target specific countries or industries in response to particular trade practices, rather than imposing broad tariffs affecting nearly all U.S. imports. They also contend that the administration’s reliance on forced labor concerns is an improper basis for reinstating tariffs that courts previously ruled unlawful.
The White House defended the policy, saying the tariffs are a lawful response to unfair trade practices and are intended to protect U.S. commerce and American workers from the effects of goods produced with forced labor.
The latest case adds to a growing series of legal disputes over the administration’s trade policies and could further shape the scope of presidential authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
Article source: https://washingtonretail.org/coalition-of-25-states-challenge-latest-trump-tariffs-in-court/
