Twenty-Five States Sue Over Trump Administration’s Replacement Tariffs

A coalition of 25 states sued the Trump administration over its latest import taxes, challenging the legal basis for double-digit tariffs imposed under Section 301 after an earlier emergency-powers tariff program was invalidated. The coalition argues that tariffs imposed on 59 countries and the European Union unlawfully replace levies the Supreme Court struck down in February.

Twenty-five states filed suit Monday against the Trump administration over double-digit tariffs applied to 59 countries and the European Union. The tariffs were announced as a response to imports made with forced labor and were imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The coalition called the new tariffs a pretext for replacing import taxes that the Supreme Court struck down in February when it rejected use of emergency powers for the earlier program. The states argue that the government did not adequately establish a country-specific case or explain how each tariff would address the practice identified.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the case with states including North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington. The administration says tariffs can revive domestic manufacturing and counter trade practices it considers harmful to U.S. workers and companies.

The Supreme Court ruling removed an earlier tariff framework built on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Small businesses have filed separate litigation over the replacement tariffs in the Court of International Trade.

The new rates took effect as temporary levies used after the Supreme Court decision were expiring. The lawsuit begins a legal process; no court had ruled on the merits of the states’ Section 301 arguments.

The administration’s response and any request to pause collection while the case proceeds. Whether courts consolidate the state and business challenges or issue different preliminary rulings.

The tariffs were announced as a response to imports made with forced labor and were imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Supreme Court ruling removed an earlier tariff framework built on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the case with states including North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington.

The coalition called the new tariffs a pretext for replacing import taxes that the Supreme Court struck down in February when it rejected use of emergency powers for the earlier program. The new rates took effect as temporary levies used after the Supreme Court decision were expiring. The lawsuit begins a legal process; no court had ruled on the merits of the states’ Section 301 arguments.