US states sue to block Trump tariffs impacting dozens of countries
Twenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on dozens of countries. The states argue the tariffs, justified by the administration as a response to forced labor, are legally arbitrary and lack sufficient investigation.
Why it matters
This legal challenge highlights a significant constitutional and economic conflict between state governments and federal trade policy, potentially impacting global supply chains.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Osmond Chia Business reporter AFP via Getty Images Twenty-five states sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over a wave of tariffs against dozens of countries.
The US says the tariffs, which range between 10% and 12.5%, were imposed due to trading partners - including the UK, China and the European Union - failing 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 was "using its lawful authority" to address practices that burden American businesses.
Desai added that any foreign countries failing to deal with the importation of goods produced with forced labour was "unreasonable" and must be addressed.
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