25 US States Sue Trump Over New Tariffs
A coalition of 25 US states has sued the Trump administration over new tariffs imposed on dozens of trading partners, arguing that the measures exceed presidential authority and violate federal trade law.
States Challenge Trump Tariff Policy
The lawsuit was filed in the US Court of International Trade by Democratic-led states, including New York, California, Illinois and Virginia. The coalition is seeking to block the tariffs, have them declared unlawful and secure refunds for duties already collected.
The new import duties range from 10% to 12.5% and apply to goods from 59 countries and the European Union. Together, the affected trading partners account for most products imported into the United States.
State officials argue that the tariffs will increase costs for consumers, businesses and government agencies. New York Attorney General Letitia James accused the administration of using forced-labour concerns as a pretext for restoring trade barriers previously rejected by the courts.
New Tariffs Target Forced Labour
The Trump administration introduced the measures under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. It said the tariffs were directed at countries that had failed to take sufficient action against forced labour in international supply chains.
The administration maintains that Section 301 permits trade action against unfair practices and has said it will defend the tariffs in court. The lawsuit argues that the government failed to complete the investigations and procedural requirements necessary before imposing such broad duties.
Supreme Court Rejected Earlier Tariffs
The legal challenge follows a February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that invalidated earlier tariffs imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court found that the emergency law did not authorise the president to impose sweeping import duties.
Temporary replacement tariffs introduced under another provision expired in July. The states allege that the latest measures are another attempt to restore import taxes already struck down by the judiciary.
