United States states file lawsuit against Trump tariffs on 60 trade partners

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:05:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Twenty‑five states sue President Trump over tariffs targeting 60 countries, citing forced‑labour claims and statutory breaches.

The coalition of Democratic‑led states has filed suit against the Trump administration, challenging the 10% to 12.5% tariffs imposed on goods from 60 trading partners, including the UK, China and the EU. They argue the duties are arbitrary, capricious and violate U.S. law. Trump’s defence stresses the use of lawful authority to address forced‑labour concerns. The lawsuit underscores New York Governor Hochul’s criticism that the tariffs unfairly burden American consumers and businesses.

United States states file lawsuit against Trump tariffs on 60 trade partners

25 US states have sued the administration of President Donald Trump over new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners.

The measures came into effect last month, hitting the UK, China and the European Union amid Washington’s claim that these partners have not addressed forced‑labour concerns.

The plaintiffs argue that the tariffs are arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law, and they seek an injunction to halt the duties. They also assert that the USTR has used the pretence of forced labour to pursue an illegal tariff scheme.

“President Trump's illegal tariffs are nothing more than a tax on hardworking families,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield added that “we’re all paying the price for these unlawful tariffs, not foreign governments.”

Trade partners—including Brazil and Japan—have criticised the tariffs as “unjustified,” while China’s foreign ministry called them “an excuse for political manipulation.”

The lawsuit marks the latest in a series of trade actions since Trump returned to office in January 2025, following a Supreme Court strike‑down of his earlier “Liberation Day” tariffs. The court’s decision also triggered tens of billions in refunds to companies that had paid earlier levies.

The new tariffs, based on Section 301 of the 1974 U.S. Trade Act, cover 99.4% of U.S. imports. They may be superseded by further tariffs, as the administration is investigating 16 countries over manufacturing over‑capacity claims, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.