In brief
In a move that could expose a clash between state governments and the federal administration, 25 states have sued the Trump administration over newly imposed tariffs that hit goods from 60 trading partners. The states label the duties as arbitrary and unlawful, citing a broad application that covers 99.4% of U.S. imports. In response, the White House defends the tariffs as a legitimate response to forced‑labour concerns. The legal battle underscores the ongoing debate over trade policy, fiscal fairness and the limits of executive power.
US states sue to block Trump tariffs impacting dozens of countries
Twenty‑five states have launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the federal government of imposing illegal tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners.
The new duties, ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent, were enacted in July and target nations including the UK, China, the EU, Japan, Brazil and Taiwan. The states argue that the tariffs are “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law,” and that they unfairly burden American businesses and families.
The lawsuit, brought by a coalition of Democratic‑ruled states, highlights that the tariffs cover 99.4% of U.S. imports, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The legal action contends that employing forced‑labour provisions as a pre‑text for broad tariffs violates Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
White House spokesman Kush Desai counters, stating the U.S. is utilizing its lawful authority to counter practices that burden American businesses and describing the tariffs as justified responses to forced‑labour practices.
Officials from affected trading partners have expressed disappointment. Brazil and Japan’s governments described the measures as “unjustified.” China’s foreign ministry called the tariffs an “excuse for political manipulation,” while the U.S. and Beijing’s trade tensions remain on hold.
The lawsuit follows a series of trade actions made by Trump since he returned to office in January 2025, many of which were struck down by the Supreme Court. According to the court’s decision, hundreds of billions of dollars in refunds were issued to companies that paid the tariffs. The administration claims it may pursue additional duties as it investigates 16 countries for alleged manufacturing overcapacity.
In the broader context, the legal fight reflects the ongoing debate about the role of executive power in trade policy and the economic impact of protectionist measures on American consumers and workers.
For more on this story, read "Faisal Islam: The UK's Trump trade deal no longer looks world‑beating" and "What tariffs has Trump introduced and why?"
