AI Generated Image
US states sue to block Trump tariffs impacting dozens of countries
bbc.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Twenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, claiming the tariffs are "arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law."
- The tariffs, effective since July, target countries including the UK, China, the EU, Japan, Brazil, and Taiwan, citing concerns over forced labour practices under Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act.
- White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the tariffs as lawful measures to address unfair import practices, while state officials argue the tariffs unfairly burden American families and businesses.
- Several affected countries, including Brazil, Japan, and China, have criticized the tariffs as unjustified or politically motivated, amid ongoing trade tensions and questions about enforcement.
- The lawsuit follows previous legal challenges to Trump's trade policies, with the US Supreme Court having struck down earlier broad tariffs, leading to significant refunds to affected companies.
