Half of the US states have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration’s newly imposed tariffs. The levies affect about 60 countries and regions that trade with the US, including Japan.
New York and California are among the states that filed a complaint with the US Court of International Trade on Monday.
Their filing describes the tariffs as “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.” They seek to have the levies suspended and invalidated.
On July 24, the Trump administration imposed additional tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act. It authorizes the US to take retaliatory action against what it determines to be unfair trade practices.
The administration argued the targeted trading partners failed to take adequate steps, including curbs on imports of goods produced through forced labor.
The Reuters news agency says the plaintiff states all have attorneys general or governors who belong to the Democratic Party.
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement. She said Washington is “once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs.”
James contends that the law and US Constitution clearly show the president does not have the power to impose sweeping tariffs.