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 and target countries including the UK, China and the European Union over Washington's contention that they have failed to properly tackle forced labour.
Why are the states challenging the tariffs?
The coalition of Democratic states said in a legal document seen by the BBC that the decision was "arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law." They are seeking to block duties that cover 99.4% of US imports, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.
"President Trump's illegal tariffs are nothing more than a tax on hardworking families," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
How has the White House responded?
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 foreign country's failing to deal with the importation of goods produced with forced labour was
"unreasonable"and must be addressed.
What wider trade battle is this part of?
It marks the latest move in a slew of trade policies unveiled by Trump since he returned to offiice in January 2025. Wide-raning duties Trump imposed on global trading partners in his so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs in April last year were struck down by the US Supreme Court.
"The Supreme Court has made it clear that this administration cannot ignore the law to impose sweeping tariffs," Hochul said.
The court's decision prompted tens of billions of dollars in refunds to companies that had paid the levies. The president has long argued that tariffs protect American workers and boost the US economy.
Several of the affected trading partners have expressed disappointment over the new tariffs, while analysts have questioned how they would be able to show that they had properly addressed the forced labour claims.
Key Facts
- Twenty five US states sued the Trump administration on Monday.
- The tariffs are 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners.
- The measures came into effect in July and cover 99.4% of US imports.
- The affected countries include the UK, China and the European Union.
- The Supreme Court previously struck down Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs in April last year.
