Jackson joins lawsuit challenging new federal tariffs
North Carolina’s attorney general argues that tariffs imposed under Section 301 exceed the federal administration’s legal authority.
RALEIGH — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined officials from more than 20 states in a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s latest round of tariffs.
The lawsuit concerns permanent tariffs imposed in July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, the tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and apply to goods from 80 countries that account for most imports into the United States.
Jackson and the other plaintiffs argue that the tariffs exceed the federal administration’s legal authority and violate the Administrative Procedure Act. The claims have not been decided by a court.
The Department of Justice said North Carolina households could pay an estimated $1,100 more annually because of the tariffs. That figure is an estimate cited by Jackson’s office and does not represent a guaranteed cost for every household.
“These tariffs are hurting families, farmers, and business owners,” Jackson said. “They’re illegal, and they’re making things harder for North Carolinians who are working around the clock to keep the lights on, pay rent, and afford gas. We’re going to court to protect our state.”
The department said tariffs could affect North Carolina businesses by increasing the cost of imported goods. Farmers could also face retaliatory tariffs placed on agricultural exports, including pork, soybeans, sweet potatoes and tobacco.
The new filing follows previous legal disputes over federal tariff authority.
The administration previously imposed tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Those tariffs were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, according to the Department of Justice.
The federal government later imposed temporary tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act. Jackson challenged those tariffs in a separate lawsuit. They expired after 150 days while that case remained pending.
The latest lawsuit challenges the use of Section 301 to impose permanent tariffs. Section 301 generally authorizes the federal government to respond to certain foreign trade practices, but the plaintiffs contend the new tariff program goes beyond the authority provided by Congress.
Jackson is joined by attorneys general from 22 other states, including Virginia, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
The lawsuit asks the court to block enforcement of the tariffs. No final ruling has been issued.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
