25 US States File Lawsuit Against Trump’s New Import Tariffs

August 5, Washington (RASS/ANI) – Twenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s newly imposed import tariffs on nearly 60 countries, including the European Union, citing claims that the products were produced under ‘forced labor.’ The states argue that these tariffs exceed the administration’s legal authority, violate US law, and ultimately impose financial burdens on consumers and businesses. Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a coalition including attorneys general from Arizona and Oregon has taken the case to the US International Trade Court. They contend that the tariffs, imposed under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, do not meet legal standards.

According to the California Attorney General’s office, the Trump administration applied these new tariffs on imports from over 80 trading partners, including the European Union, on Monday. These countries account for approximately 99.4% of all imports into the United States. The coalition emphasized that beyond the tariffs themselves, the economic impact will be borne by American consumers and businesses, accusing President Trump of pursuing policies that increase the cost of living. Attorney General Bonta argued that the administration is attempting to reimpose trade measures that courts had previously blocked, but this time on different grounds.

The complaint points out that the investigation under Section 301 was completed on nearly 60 economies simultaneously within roughly two and a half months, a process that usually takes years and involves country-specific procedures. The investigation reportedly relied on broad studies and aggregate analysis of each country’s circumstances, which the lawsuit claims violates trade and administrative procedure laws. The suit also recalls that two previous trade actions by the Trump administration were halted by courts. Specifically, tariffs applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were ruled illegal by courts, and another broad tariff effort under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act was also unsuccessful, the lawsuit states.