After a Supreme Court setback, 25 US states have sued the Trump administration over fresh Section‑301 tariffs. The case tests whether the White House is reviving blocked import taxes through a new legal route.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump administration imposed new Section‑301 tariffs
  • 25 states claim the tariffs are illegal and filed a lawsuit
  • Tariffs range from 10%‑12.5% and affect 99% of US imports

Background

In February 2026, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s emergency tariffs imposed under the IEEPA. Temporary 10% tariffs that followed expired on July 24, prompting the administration to turn to Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act for a new levy.

Legal Basis

Section 301 authorises the president to impose duties on countries that engage in unfair trade practices. Trump first used it in 2018 to levy massive tariffs on China, and now it is being wielded to punish imports made with forced labour.

Political Reaction

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses.” White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the move as “a lawful effort to eliminate unreasonable practices that burden US commerce.”

Historical Background

The inaugural use of Section 301 dates back to 1994 when the United States targeted China for alleged trade barriers. Since then, the provision has been invoked in numerous disputes, but this is the first time it is being applied specifically to forced‑labour goods.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the states’ lawsuit could set a precedent limiting executive overreach in trade policy, forcing future administrations to seek congressional approval before imposing large‑scale tariffs.

The use of Section 301 to bypass Supreme Court rulings sets a dangerous precedent.
Did You Know?: The first Section 301 tariff was levied against China in 1994, shaping decades of US‑China trade negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Which countries are affected by Trump’s new tariffs?
Answer: The duties apply to 59 countries and the European Union, covering 10%‑12.5% of imports that represent 99% of US trade.

Question 2: What do the suing states hope to achieve?
Answer: They seek a court order to block the tariffs and to ensure future large‑scale duties receive congressional authorization.