New York, Aug. 4 (SANA)Twenty-five U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump overtariffsimposed on imports from 60 countries, arguing that the measures effectively replace import duties that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in February.According to The Associated Press (AP), the lawsuit was filed before theU.S. Court of International Tradein New York.A legal brief submitted to the court argued that “there is no logical connection between allegations concerning forced labor in international supply chains and the sweeping tariffs imposed bythe Office of the United States Trade Representative.”The filing contends that the administration lacks a sufficient legal basis to justify the broad trade measures under the rationale presented.

The White House, meanwhile, defended the policy, saying the administration’s actions are lawful and intended to counter practices and policies that Washington believes place unfair burdens on U.S. trade.Administration officials have argued that the tariffs are designed to address trade practices linked to concerns over forced labor in international supply chains and to protect U.S. economic interests.The United States announced in late July that it would impose new tariffs on 60 trading partners, citing concerns related to forced labor. The measures replace temporary tariffs introduced earlier this year.The lawsuit marks the latest legal challenge to the administration’s trade policy and places renewed scrutiny on the legal authority underpinning the new tariff regime as the case proceeds before theU.S. Court of International Trade.