Democratic Attorneys General Oppose Proposed Tariffs on Forced Labor Concerns

A group of 22 Democratic state attorneys general, led by California's Rob Bonta, formally opposed a Trump administration proposal on Monday to levy tariffs of up to 12.5% on 59 countries and the European Union. The administration has justified the proposed tariffs by citing the countries' alleged failure to curb trade in goods produced with forced labor.

In a letter, the attorneys general called the proposed tariffs unlawful, arguing they are a pretext to re-implement broad levies that were previously invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court. They warned that the tariffs would make goods more expensive for consumers and "continue the economic devastation that prior tariffs have caused."

The opposition comes as the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) is scheduled to begin public hearings on the matter. The proposal includes tariffs of 10% on 16 economies, including the EU, and 12.5% on 44 other nations. The USTR has stated the tariffs would cover nearly all goods imported into the United States but declined to comment on the attorneys general's letter.

Ad

The state officials contend that the USTR is misusing its authority under "Section 301" of the Trade Act. "The record does not support imposition of these sweeping blanket tariffs to curb the worldwide problem of forced labor in international trade," the letter stated, advocating instead for collaborative efforts with other countries.

To support their claim, the attorneys general pointed to inconsistencies in the administration's report. For example, while the report cites forced labor in the production of frozen beef from Brazil, the USTR's proposal would exempt many beef products from the tariffs. The officials argue this shows the tariffs are not targeted to change specific behaviors related to forced labor.