REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · USA
States sue over 10% global tariffs
Change
On 5 Mar 2026, 24 US states sued the Trump administration to stop newly imposed 10% global tariffs announced after a 20 Feb Supreme Court ruling invalidated most prior tariffs.
Why Now
A group of 24 states filed suit on Thursday as the first legal challenge to the administration’s newly imposed 10% global tariffs. The states argue the tariffs, announced immediately after the Supreme Court’s February 20 ruling, are illegal. The lawsuit alleges the president cannot avoid the effect of the Supreme Court decision by citing new legal authority. Trump imposed the new duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Supreme Court had struck down tariffs he imposed last year under an emergency powers law.
Impact
- • A court challenge is underway seeking to stop the 10% global tariffs.
- • The legal dispute centers on whether Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 can be used to impose the new duties after the Supreme Court invalidated most prior tariffs.
Who Recalculates
- • Importers of goods into the United States
- • US state governments (plaintiff states)
- • US federal executive branch (trade policy/legal authority)
- • Businesses subject to US import duties
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Trade & Tariffs Law & Public Safety Court Rulings