A coalition of 25 US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a new round of tariffs imposed on imports from 60 trading partners, including the European Union.

The states argue that the tariffs are unlawful and claim the President does not have the authority to impose such broad trade measures under the legal provisions being used.

The new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, were announced in July and are based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Trump administration says the duties are aimed at countries that have failed to adequately address the use of forced labour in their supply chains.

However, the states argue that the investigation behind the tariffs was only a pretext to revive trade measures that had previously been struck down by the courts.

The legal challenge follows a major US Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which held that the President could not use emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs. After that decision, the administration introduced the new duties using a different legal framework.

State attorneys general argue that the latest tariffs could increase costs for businesses and consumers while creating uncertainty for global trade. They are asking the court to block the duties, saying the Trump administration has exceeded its legal authority once again.

The case can have significant implications for the US trade policy. If the court rules against the administration, it may once again limit the President’s ability to impose broad import tariffs without explicit approval from Congress.

Businesses and global trading partners will be closely watching the outcome, as it could influence future trade negotiations and cross-border commerce.

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