Kathmandu— Twenty-five U.S. states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's latest round of tariffs aimed at prohibiting imports produced with 'forced labour'. The coalition argues that these measures exceed legal authority and will raise costs for American consumers and businesses.

Legal Challenge to Tariff Implementation

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, contests tariffs imposed following an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The coalition asserts that these additional costs will ultimately be borne by American consumers and businesses.

Attorney General Bonta stated, 'President Trump is so intent on raising the cost of living for Americans that he is willing to break law after law after law to do so.'

Investigation Criticized

The coalition argues that the investigation was merely a pretext to reinstate tariffs previously struck down by U.S. courts. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducted an investigation into nearly 60 economies in just two-and-a-half months, significantly shorter than typical year-long investigations.

According to the complaint, this process relied on broad case studies and macroeconomic analysis rather than country-specific findings.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.