Trump administration sued by US food importer for 50% tariffs on Canada

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - US food importer Gellert Global Group filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, arguing that the duties exceed presidential authority.

The Liberty Justice Center, which represents the company, said it filed the case in the US Court of International Trade on behalf of Gellert and a proposed class of affected importers.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the tariffs unlawful, stop their collection and order refunds with interest.

The duties were imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a provision aimed at addressing foreign discrimination against US commerce.

The lawsuit argues that Congress superseded that provision with Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which established investigations, public participation and other safeguards for responding to unfair foreign trade practices.

It also alleges that the administration failed to observe a mandatory 30-day waiting period when expanding the tariffs.

Canadian cheeses imported by Gellert were added to the tariff list on Sept. 8, but duties began being collected Sept. 15, according to the center.

The center also filed requests for a preliminary injunction to block collection and summary judgment in Gellert's favor.

The lawsuit challenges the administration's reliance on Canadian retaliatory measures and dairy policies governed by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, according to the case summary.

It also argues that some targeted products have no connection to the alleged discrimination, including Canadian cheeses subjected to tariffs linked to disputes about alcohol policies and automobile duties.

Gellert, a family-run food business, imports and distributes products in the US and helps American producers reach overseas markets.

Mücahithan Avcıoğlu