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A fresh round of legal battles has erupted over US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures, with several small businesses challenging the administration’s decision to impose new import duties on goods from dozens of trading partners. The lawsuits argue that the White House has once again exceeded its legal authority by introducing sweeping tariffs under a different law after the US Supreme Court struck down an earlier version.
The latest challenges were filed in the US Court of International Trade shortly after the new tariffs came into effect. One lawsuit was brought by educational toy company Learning Resources, which had also challenged Trump’s earlier tariff policy. Another was filed by New York-based spice importer Burlap & Barrel and California watch retailer Collective Horology, represented by the Liberty Justice Center.
The businesses argue that the administration failed to justify the tariffs individually for each country affected. They also claim the government did not adequately explain how the duties would address the alleged use of forced labor, a requirement under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
According to the lawsuits, the latest tariffs effectively replace the worldwide duties that were invalidated by the Supreme Court earlier this year. The challengers contend that changing the legal basis for the tariffs does not resolve the concerns raised by the court over presidential authority.
The Trump administration has defended the new measures, saying they target countries that have failed to prevent imports linked to forced labor. The tariffs apply to imports from 60 trading partners and cover nearly all US imports.
Also Read: Trump Imposes New Tariffs on India, China, 60 Nations Over Forced Labor
Trade lawyers believe the new legal challenges may face a tougher path than previous cases. Unlike the earlier tariffs, the latest duties rely on Section 301, a trade law that has historically survived court scrutiny and was widely used during Trump’s first term.
Legal experts say the tariffs could remain in place for an extended period even as the cases move through the courts. Any country seeking relief would likely need to prove that it has effectively enforced US demands before the duties can be lifted.
The lawsuits add another chapter to the ongoing legal and political battle over Trump’s trade agenda, with businesses warning that prolonged uncertainty could continue to disrupt imports, costs and investment decisions.
