U.S. Court of International Trade Hears Challenges to President Trump's Forced Labor Tariffs
The U.S. Court of International Trade is currently hearing arguments regarding President Trump's tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners. These tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5% under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, were imposed in July 2026. The administration justified these tariffs by alleging that the trading partners failed to adequately block goods made with forced labor. However, plaintiffs, including small importers and 25 states, argue that this rationale is a 'pretext' to revive earlier global tariff programs that courts had previously struck down. The current legal challenge is the third court fight over this global tariff plan. Earlier, in February 2026, the Supreme Court invalidated the administration's International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) 'Liberation Day' tariffs, leading to billions in refunds. Subsequently, a temporary 10% worldwide duty under Section 122 was also deemed unlawful by the Court of International Trade in May 2026, expiring in July 2026.
