By Oluwakemi Kindness
Twenty-five US states have sued President Donald Trump’s administration over a new wave of tariffs imposed on dozens of countries.
The tariffs, which range from 10% to 12.5%, affect trading partners including the UK, China and the European Union.
The Trump administration said the measures were introduced over concerns that some countries had failed to adequately tackle forced labour in their supply chains.
However, a coalition of Democratic-led states described the tariffs as “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.”
The states argued that the administration could not use forced labour concerns as a justification for what they called an unlawful tariff policy.
The tariffs took effect in July under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the duties cover about 99.4% of US imports.
White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the policy, saying the administration was using its lawful authority to address foreign practices that burden American businesses.
He said countries that fail to prevent the importation of goods produced through forced labour must be held accountable.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, criticized the tariffs, describing them as an added financial burden on American families.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield also argued that US consumers and businesses, rather than foreign governments, were bearing the cost.
Several affected countries have criticised the measures, with Brazil and Japan describing the tariffs as unjustified.
China accused Washington of using the issue as an excuse for political manipulation.
The lawsuit is expected to pose a major legal challenge to the Trump administration’s tariff policy.
