25 States Sue Over Section 301 Tariffs

On August 3, 2026, a coalition of 25 U.S. states, mostly led by Democrats, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the Trump administration's latest round of tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target 60 trading partners, including the European Union, China, Vietnam, and South Africa, over alleged inadequate enforcement of forced labor bans. The states argue the tariffs are a pretext to replace previous tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court in February, and that the administration exceeded its authority. The United States — White House defended the tariffs as lawful, citing Section 301's durability. The lawsuit follows two earlier challenges by small businesses. Separately, China, Vietnam, and South Africa have objected to the tariffs, urging the U.S. to withdraw or exempt them. The tariffs took effect on July 24, replacing an expired temporary 10% global tariff.