US states sue to block tariffs impacting dozens of countries
A coalition of 25 US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block new 10% to 12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners. The states argue the tariffs, which target countries for alleged failures to address forced labor, are arbitrary and illegal.
Why it matters
This legal challenge highlights ongoing domestic friction over executive trade authority and the potential economic impact of protectionist policies on American consumers.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Osmond Chia Business reporter Published 15 minutes ago Twenty five US states sued the administration of US President Donald Trump on Monday over new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners.
The tariffs came into effect in July, targeting countries including the UK, China as well as the European Union, over Washington's contention that they have failed to properly tackle forced labour.
In a legal document seen by the BBC, the coalition of Democratic states said the decision was "arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law."
In response, White House spokesman Kush Desai said: "The US is using its lawful authority" to address practices that burden American businesses.
Desai added that any foreign country's failing to deal with the importation of goods produced with forced labour was "unreasonable" and must be addressed.
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