A coalition of 25 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s latest tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, arguing the measures are unlawful and exceed the federal government’s authority.
The tariffs, ranging from 10 to 12.5 per cent, took effect in July and apply to imports from countries including the United Kingdom, China and members of the European Union. The U.S. government says the duties were imposed because trading partners failed to adequately address the use of forced labour in their supply chains.
In the lawsuit, the Democratic-led states argue the tariffs are “arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law,” claiming the administration is improperly using forced labour concerns as justification for broad trade restrictions.
The White House defended the measures, with spokesperson Kush Desai saying the administration is acting within its legal authority under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. He said countries that fail to address forced labour practices create unfair conditions for American businesses and workers.
The lawsuit also argues the investigation that led to the tariffs was unusually brief. It notes that while the Trump administration’s 2018 Section 301 investigation into China took eight months, the latest review examined around 60 trading partners in just two months.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the tariffs, calling them “nothing more than a tax on hardworking families,” while Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said American consumers and businesses—not foreign governments—would ultimately bear the cost.
Several affected countries have also objected to the tariffs. Brazil and Japan described the measures as unjustified, while China accused Washington of using forced labour allegations as a pretext for political pressure.
Trade experts say the lawsuit could present a significant legal challenge to the administration. Some analysts have also questioned how countries are expected to prove they have adequately addressed forced labour concerns and predict exemptions or policy changes could eventually reduce the tariffs’ impact.
The legal action is the latest challenge to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda since returning to office in 2025. Earlier sweeping tariffs introduced under his “Liberation Day” policy were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, prompting billions of dollars in refunds to importers. Those tariffs were later replaced by a temporary 10 per cent levy that expired in July.
The Trump administration is also investigating 16 additional countries over alleged manufacturing overcapacity, raising the possibility of further tariffs in the coming months.
