Democratic-led 25 US states challenge Trump's forced-labour tariffs

A group of 25 Democratic-ruled states has moved a US court against President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on 60 economies accounting for 99.4 per cent of American imports. Last month, the US imposed a fresh round of tariffs ranging between 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on these 60 countries, citing failure on the issue of forced labour, to replace the 10 per cent global levies that expired on July 24. The 25 states moved the US Court of International Trade on Monday against the Trump administration for again implementing tariffs on several countries, contending that it will raise costs for consumers and businesses nationwide.
"There is no rational fit between the purported problem of forced labor in international supply chains and the blanket global tariffs the USTR imposed," the coalition of states argued in a court filing, referring to the US Trade Representative's office. The challenge is related to Trump's latest salvo of tariffs of between 10 and 12.5 percent imposed against 60 trading partners -- forming the bulk of US imports -- last month.
Since taking office for his second term, Trump has upended global trade by imposing wide-ranging tariffs -- at sometimes eye-watering levels -- against Washington's friends and foes alike. Trump has argued that US trading partners have been taking advantage of the world's largest economy, and has sought to use tariffs as leverage to strike new trade deals. Tthe White House hit back at the latest challenge to Trump's tariffs, arguing the government move was legal."The United States is using its lawful authority to obtain the elimination of unreasonable acts, policies, and practices that burden US commerce," said Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, in a statement. "Section 301 tariffs have proven to be a legally durable tool since the President's first term, and they remain so now."