Trump tariffs face immediate legal challenge

The Trump administration’s latest tariffs on goods from more than 80 countries took effect on Friday and were challenged in court hours later. The duties, imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are tied to allegations that trade partners have not done enough to stop forced labor practices. The case was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade by two small businesses, with the Liberty Justice Center arguing that the administration is trying to recreate a broad tariff regime that the Supreme Court previously rejected. Critics say the new tariffs go beyond what Section 301 was designed to do, while the administration says it is acting to address forced labor concerns. Trade experts are split on how the courts may respond, but several said the tariffs could face serious legal problems. Others noted that Section 301 gives the government more flexibility than some other tariff authorities, which could make the case harder to unwind quickly.