The U.S. government is reportedly planning to impose new tariffs

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. government’s large-scale tariff policies are illegal. Several American media outlets have reported that the U.S. government is preparing to invoke other legal provisions to impose new tariffs on products from multiple industries.

Sources disclosed that the U.S. Department of Commerce is initiating a new investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on industries such as large batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, and power grid and telecommunications equipment, known as the “232 investigation.” This provision allows the U.S. government to impose tariffs based on alleged “national security risks.” The Wall Street Journal stated that it is unclear when the Department of Commerce will officially announce the investigation or when the related tariffs will be implemented.

Additionally, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is also starting a new trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, known as the “301 investigation,” which could also lead to the imposition of tariffs. This provision authorizes the U.S. government to impose tariffs on so-called “unfair trade practices.”

Multiple U.S. states demand federal government to refund tariffs

On the 20th, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling stating that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose large-scale tariffs.

According to a statement released by the New York State Governor’s Office on the 24th, Governor Kathy Hochul demanded that the federal government refund approximately $13.5 billion in taxes paid by New York State due to tariff policies. Hochul stated that these unreasonable and illegal tariffs are taxing consumers, small businesses, and farmers in New York, and she demands a “full refund.”

Previously, California and Illinois also made similar requests.

Over a thousand companies nationwide demand refunds for illegal tariffs

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, over a thousand companies, including major U.S. corporations such as FedEx, Costco, and Reebok, filed lawsuits in the U.S. Court of International Trade, demanding the government refund the tariffs they have paid.

(Source: CCTV News)