25 US states sue Trump administration over new tariffs impacting dozens of trading partners

A coalition of 25 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a new wave of tariffs that impact dozens of global trading partners. The states allege that these tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 economies, are an overreach of executive power and a pretext to reinstate import taxes previously struck down by the Supreme Court in February 2026. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade on Monday, August 3, 2026, the lawsuit contends that the administration's actions are unconstitutional, attempting to usurp Congress's taxation authority, and will ultimately burden American families and businesses with increased costs.

The tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, target countries accused by the Trump administration of failing to adequately address imports produced with forced labor. However, attorneys general from the plaintiff states, including California and New York, argue that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative conducted a rushed and pretextual investigation to justify these levies. They assert that the new duties are designed to replace temporary tariffs that expired and other tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.

The lawsuit seeks to have the tariffs declared unlawful, halted, and for any paid duties to be refunded. The administration has defended its policy, stating it is using lawful authority to eliminate unfair trade practices that negatively impact U.S. commerce and workers. The 25 states involved in the legal challenge include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.