25 US States Sue Trump Over Tariffs - Sarmad

Twenty-five U.S. states, including two governed by Republicans, filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration, alleging that the imposition of tariffs on 60 countries exceeded the president’s authority, according to the Agence France-Presse.

In a memorandum submitted to the court, the states argued: “There is no logical connection between the alleged problem of forced labor in international supply chains and the comprehensive global tariffs imposed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.”

A new package of U.S. tariffs targeting 60 trading partners took effect on Friday, replacing a set of global tariffs imposed earlier this year by Trump that had expired.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, “The United States has enforced a ban on importing goods produced by forced labor for nearly a century, and we enforce this ban strictly. It is now time for our trading partners to follow our example.”

The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, have drawn protests from Beijing and others, as they affect major economies such as China, India, and the European Union.

The Trump administration swiftly moved to rebuild the tariff framework after the Supreme Court struck down a set of tariffs in February, a ruling that limited the president’s ability to impose steep tariffs at will.

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to investigate foreign practices it deems discriminatory and respond by imposing tariffs.

The U.S. Trade Representative relied on this provision to justify the imposition of these tariffs.