US states sue Trump administration over tariffs

25 US states have filed a joint lawsuit against Trump administration, challenging the new tariffs imposed last month and ask the court to halt them. The White House responded that the tariffs are a lawful and appropriate response to unfair trade.

The tariff, which took effect on July 24th, target 60 economies including mainland China and Hong Kong, levying 10 to 12.5 percent on imports over alleged failures to prohibit force labour production.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in the US Court of International Trade in New York by 25 Democratic-led states. They argued that the administration, invoking Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 under the pretext of forced labour, rushed out a new tariff measure nearly identical to the one rejected by the Supreme Court in February.

The states are asking the court to declare the new tariffs unlawful, bar their enforcement and order refunds of duties have paid. In their complaint, they contend that the administration bypassed required country-specific consultations and failed to explain how the tariffs would actually remedy the alleged forced labour practices.

Beyond the 25 states, several small businesses have also sued the government over the new tariffs.

A White House spokesperson responded on Monday, saying the tariffs are a proper and legal response to unfair trade practices by other countries.