Democratic US states sue to challenge Trump's latest tariffs

25 Democratic-led US states have filed a joint lawsuit against Trump administration in New York, asking to halt the new tariffs imposed last month.

The White House says the tariffs targeting 60 economies, including Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, levying 10 to 12.5% on imports over alleged failures to prohibit forced labour production, are lawful and appropriate.

The states argue the administration rushed a tariff measures nearly identical to the one rejected by the Supreme Court in February.

They are asking the court to declare the new tariffs unlawful, bar their enforcement and order refunds of duties paid.

They contend the administration bypassed required country-specific consultations and failed to explain how the tariffs would actually remedy the alleged forced labour practices.