Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced on May 9 that a federal court has invalidated President Trump’s recent attempt to impose tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. The U.S. Court of International Trade granted summary judgment in a case brought by a coalition of 24 states, holding that the tariffs are not authorized by law.
The decision is significant because it addresses concerns about rising prices and economic instability linked to the contested tariffs. Although the court’s order does not directly provide relief to Maryland or its residents, officials say it could allow for future legal challenges to similar trade actions.
“Time and again, courts are making clear that the Trump Administration cannot impose unlawful and costly tariffs on Marylanders,” said Attorney General Brown. “This ruling is another important step toward ensuring that American families are not left paying more for groceries, household goods, and everyday essentials because of the Trump Administration’s lawless trade policies. We will continue fighting in court to hold this Administration accountable to the law.”
According to information released with the announcement, President Trump had initially invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as justification for imposing these tariffs; however, after those were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court, he used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974—a statute never before used for such purposes—to set a ten percent tariff on most products worldwide in response to trade deficits. The Court found these measures also unlawful because Section 122 only permits such action when there are “large and serious balance-of-payment deficits,” which do not exist under current conditions since a trade deficit is distinct from a balance-of-payment deficit.
Joining Maryland in filing suit were attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia Washington Wisconsin as well as governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
Looking ahead following this decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade—which stated that “the President’s tariffs proclamation is invalid”—further legal scrutiny may be possible regarding similar tariff policies.
