States unite Against “Illegal” Trade Measures

in a coordinated effort, a group of twelve states, spearheaded by the attorneys general of Oregon and Arizona, have jointly filed a lawsuit contesting the legality of tariffs enacted by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, lodged with the United States International Trade Court (CIT), directly challenges the executive orders that granted the president broad authority to unilaterally increase tariffs on goods from around the globe, a power the states argue should reside with Congress.

Targeting Key Trade Partners

The legal challenge specifically targets tariffs of 145% on a wide range of Chinese products, as well as a 25% tariff on the majority of goods imported from Canada and Mexico – key trading partners for the plaintiff states. Furthermore,the lawsuit addresses the 10% tariffs applied to most products from other countries worldwide and the planned tariff increases on imports from 46 additional trade partners,scheduled to take effect in July.

economic Impact and State Concerns

The states involved in the lawsuit contend that thes tariffs will inflict significant economic damage on their respective economies.Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stated, These tariffs affect every aspect of our lives and we have the responsibility to counteract them. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes echoed this sentiment,describing the president’s tariff plan as not only economically reckless,but also illegal.

Historical precedent and Economic Projections

The lawsuit draws upon past economic data to support its claims. Citing studies of tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term (2017-2021), the plaintiffs highlight that American consumers bore approximately 95% of the cost associated with those tariffs. Moreover, the lawsuit references projections from both the Federal Reserve (FED) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which anticipate that the current round of tariffs will contribute to inflationary pressures within the U.S. economy. Current inflation rates remain a concern, with economists closely monitoring the potential impact of trade policies on consumer prices.

These tariffs affect every aspect of our lives and we have the responsibility to counteract them.

Dan Rayfield, Oregon Attorney General

Coalition of states

Joining Oregon and Arizona in this legal action are Nevada, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and vermont. This united front underscores the widespread concern among states regarding the potential economic repercussions of the tariffs.

Following California’s Lead

This multi-state lawsuit follows a similar legal challenge filed by California the previous week, which also argued that the Trump administration’s tariffs were unlawful. The coordinated legal strategy suggests a growing resistance to the tariffs and a concerted effort to challenge their legality in the courts.