US states sue to block Trump tariffs impacting dozens of countries

On Monday, a group of twenty-five US states filed a lawsuit challenging the administration of US President Donald Trump over the implementation of new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5%. The duties target goods imported from 60 trading partners globally, including major economies such as the United Kingdom, China, and the European Union, after coming into effect in July.

Washington defended the policy by arguing that these nations have failed to properly address issues surrounding forced labour. The tariffs were imposed under Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act, a legislative tool specifically established to target countries that utilize forced labour practices.

According to legal documents reviewed by the BBC, the coalition of Democratic states asserted that the administration's decision was arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law. In response, White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that the US is utilizing its lawful authority to address practices that place a burden on American businesses.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

"Despite losing every step of the way, Trump is trying yet again to inflict more chaos on working families and homegrown Oregon businesses"

Dan Rayfield, Oregon Attorney General

This legal challenge represents the latest chapter in a series of trade policies introduced by Trump since returning to office in January 2025. Many of the sweeping duties introduced during his Liberation Day tariffs in April of the previous year were ultimately struck down by the US Supreme Court, forcing billions of dollars in refunds to affected companies.

Source: BBC Business